365int
Iran’s biggest crypto exchange, Nobitex, just got hit with a massive $100 million hack. In response, the Central Bank of Iran ordered all crypto platforms to only operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Why? Two reasons: stop more hacks and control people moving money out of the country.
A pro-Israel hacking group called Gonjeshke Darande took the credit. They broke into Nobitex’s internal systems and drained its hot wallets—those are the wallets connected to the internet. It wasn’t just for cash. This was political.
Even more shocking? They burned the stolen crypto. That means they sent it to wallets no one can access. So, no one—not even the hackers—can get the money back.
This is a big deal. Nobitex handles more money than the next ten Iranian exchanges combined—over $11 billion. It’s the backbone of Iran’s crypto economy, helping users dodge sanctions and trade globally.
Chainalysis, a blockchain data firm, said the timing of the curfew helps limit attacks. It’s easier to handle problems during the day than overnight.
The hack included coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin. After the attack, Nobitex locked out external access and moved what’s left to cold storage—offline wallets that are safer.
The platform’s team says the reserve fund will pay back users. But access is still frozen. So if you’re a Nobitex user, sit tight.
Also, Iran and Israel are already at each other’s throats. This digital heist just added more fuel to the fire.
Footnotes:
Hot wallet: Crypto wallet connected to the internet; easier to use, but riskier.
Cold storage: Offline wallet, safer from hacks.
Burned tokens: Crypto sent to an address where no one can access it—like tossing cash into a volcano.
