Hackers used fake job interviews and a compromised artificial intelligence (AI) tool to steal $6.3 billion from Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.
According to Binance, hackers approached one of its engineers through a legitimate job recruitment platform, posing as company representatives offering employment.
During a second interview, the engineer was asked to download what appeared to be a recruitment assignment. However, the file contained malware that secretly compromised his computer.
The attackers then used the compromised computer and an internal AI tool to gain control of two other engineers’ laptops, eventually accessing systems used to transfer billions of dollars in cryptocurrency.
The attack forced Binance to temporarily suspend customer withdrawals worldwide.
US investigators have linked the attack to North Korean hackers, although Pyongyang has denied involvement.
Binance has apologised and said it has taken steps to restore the stolen assets and strengthen its security systems. (Newswire)