Cryptocurrency exchange attacked by hackers fined for lax security
SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- A major cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea was fined Wednesday for failing to protect against cyberattacks that led to massive thefts of customer information and virtual coins.
A Seoul court fined the company, Bithumb, and a former senior official identified by the surname Lee, who is believed to be its largest shareholder, 30 million won (US$25,452) each for neglecting their duty to ensure online security.
In April 2017, about 31,000 pieces of personal information of Bithumb's customers were leaked after a cyberattack that exploited Lee's personal computer. An investigation found his device was devoid of protection against malicious programs.
Between May and October of the same year, hackers stole about 7 billion won worth of cryptocurrencies owned by 243 of its customers.
The company was found to have failed to take proper measures despite a number of suspicious accesses to its systems and customer reports of possible cyberattacks.
The defendants were indicted in June last year without physical detention.
jjhwang@yna.co.kr
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