Bitcoin ATM Operator Byte Federal Reports Data Breach Affecting 58,000 Users

Last updated:

Author

Jimmy Aki

Author

Jimmy Aki

About Author

Jimmy has nearly 10 years of experience as a journalist and writer in the blockchain industry. He has worked with well-known publications such as Bitcoin Magazine, CCN, and Blockonomi, covering news…

Last updated:

Why Trust Cryptonews

Cryptonews has covered the cryptocurrency industry topics since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts have extensive experience in market analysis and blockchain technologies. We strive to maintain high editorial standards, focusing on factual accuracy and balanced reporting across all areas – from cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects to industry events, products, and technological developments. Our ongoing presence in the industry reflects our commitment to delivering relevant information in the evolving world of digital assets. Read more about Cryptonews

Ad Disclosure

We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships.

Byte Federal, a leading Bitcoin ATM operator in the United States, has confirmed a major Bitcoin breach that exposed the sensitive data of 58,000 customers. The company operates over 1,200 Bitcoin ATMs across the U.S., offering customers an accessible way to trade cryptocurrencies.

Byte Federal Confirms Bitcoin Breach Impacting Thousands

In a report to Maine’s attorney general, Byte Federal revealed that the breach compromised personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, government-issued IDs, Social Security numbers, customer accounts, and transaction activity. The attack occurred on September 30 but was only identified by the company on November 18.

The breach was traced to a vulnerability in third-party software. Byte Federal stated that the attackers exploited a bug in GitLab, a widely used developer platform.

After discovering the Bitcoin breach, Byte Federal implemented several steps to protect its users. The company performed a hard reset on all customer accounts and updated internal passwords. These measures are aimed at safeguarding data and preventing further unauthorized access.

In a November blog post, Byte Federal confirmed that the GitLab vulnerability had been addressed. The company stated, “Our priority is to ensure the security of our customers’ information and the integrity of our services.”

The Larger Implications for Crypto Security

This Bitcoin breach has sparked renewed discussions about the security of cryptocurrency platforms. Cyberattacks on crypto services have been increasing, targeting both assets and personal information.

The Bitcoin breach at Byte Federal is part of a wider trend of rising cyber threats in the crypto world. The recent attack on Giggle Academy, founded by former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, involved hackers posting fake claims and phishing links on the platform’s X account.

This incident shows how scammers are increasingly targeting crypto users, with hackers stealing $753 million in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024. The attacks are growing more sophisticated, making it even more important for companies to strengthen their security measures.

The breach underscores the importance of regular system updates and proactive threat monitoring in the crypto sector. Customers are also encouraged to enable two-factor authentication and stay alert for unusual account activity.

As cryptocurrency adoption grows, the industry must address these security gaps to maintain user trust and confidence.

Countries like Nigeria are already taking action by introducing tougher laws to address cryptocurrency-related scams, including fines of up to $12,000 or 10-year prison sentences for offenders.

These measures aim to deter fraudulent activities that undermine trust in the digital currency ecosystem.

You May Also Like