Poly hacker returns more than $600mn ‘stolen’ money

August 25, 2021 04:37 PM BST | By Kamalika Ghosh
 Poly hacker returns more than $600mn ‘stolen’ money
Image source: husjur02, Shutterstock

Highlights

  • Poly Network stole around US $600 million worth of crypto coins from Poly Network
  • A hacker named White Hat insisted that his motive was to keep the funds somewhere safe. 
  • The hacker exploited a security flaw in the Poly Network.

Poly Network received the final chunk of US $610 million, which the hacker dubbed as White Hat stole from the cryptocurrency network earlier this month. In what was dubbed as the biggest cryptocurrency heist ever, the hacker stole US $614 million in digital coins. 

Approximately US $267 million of Ethereum, US $252 million of Binance coin and roughly US $85 million in USDC tokens were taken. The hacker has exploited the security flaw in Poly Network to make off with the funds. The Poly Network had, in fact, announced, at that point that it would give the unidentified person a US $500,000 bounty for helping them to figure out the security loophole. 

The hacker immediately started returning the funds, stating that he intended only to point out the network's flaw. The Poly network, later on, offered Hat the role of a chief security advisor. Poly Network then began releasing the assets to the users. Poly Network is a Defi protocol that allows peer-to-peer transactions for its users to transfer or swap tokens across blockchains. 

Attack to give impetus to cybercriminals 

Many believe that this attack will give impetus to hackers to do similar activities. As cybercriminals would have closely monitored this hack, the chances of such attacks have increased. As it is an unregulated market, experts believe that from next time, cybercriminals may opt to adopt a stealthier approach while getting involved. 

The entire reason for the heart change is unknown, but experts believe not all hackers will be ready to return the money. 

Calls for crypto regulations increase

There has been a growing call for crypto regulations. In fact, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler reached out to Senator Elizabeth Warren stating that the investors rights are not adequately protected. Senator Warren urged Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to rectify the crypto risks.

In a letter to Yellen, Warren stated that the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) should ensure a safer crypto market. Warren said that the FSOC should regulate the market to ensure the safety and stability of consumers.  

Conclusion

As the demand for cryptocurrencies grow, crypto regulations have become an important talking point. The Poly Network hack has in fact just added another dimension to the conversation. The agencies should realise that not every hacker will be so open to return the funds therefore, stringent measures are the only to regulate the market.  


Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Limited, Company No. 12643132 (Kalkine Media, we or us) and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. Kalkine Media is an appointed representative of Kalkine Limited, who is authorized and regulated by the FCA (FRN: 579414). The non-personalised advice given by Kalkine Media through its Content does not in any way endorse or recommend individuals, investment products or services suitable for your personal financial situation. You should discuss your portfolios and the risk tolerance level appropriate for your personal financial situation, with a qualified financial planner and/or adviser. No liability is accepted by Kalkine Media or Kalkine Limited and/or any of its employees/officers, for any investment loss, or any other loss or detriment experienced by you for any investment decision, whether consequent to, or in any way related to this Content, the provision of which is a regulated activity. Kalkine Media does not intend to exclude any liability which is not permitted to be excluded under applicable law or regulation. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable. However, on the date of publication of any such Content, none of the employees and/or associates of Kalkine Media hold positions in any of the stocks covered by Kalkine Media through its Content. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music/video that may be used in the Content are copyright to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music or video used in the Content unless stated otherwise. The images/music/video that may be used in the Content are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have used reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated or was found to be necessary.


Sponsored Articles


Investing Ideas

Previous Next