Exploited KyberSwap Disses Hacker Request in Rare Revival Plot

Godfrey Benjamin
December 2, 2023
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
KyberSwap CEO Workforce Reduction

After the unrealistic demands from its exploiter to take over the Kyber Network, the exploited decentralized exchange KyberSwap has made a different pivot in its revival push. The exchange said it will reimburse users who were exposed to the security breach recorded last month.

Advertisement
Advertisement

KyberSwap Shares Update on Hacking

KyberSwap welcomed its users to a new month with an update on its crippling exploit that led to the loss of almost $50 million in crypto assets. It sympathized with all users who were affected by the attack, assuring them of the protocol’s commitment to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrator, who now resort to blackmail, is brought to book and all funds are recovered. 

More importantly, the platform said its “present plan is for the KyberSwap Treasury to extend a grant to each user (who lost funds in the exploit and which have not been recovered) of an amount up to the USD value of such funds at the time when such funds were drained from their respective liquidity pools.”

Last month, KyberSwap was attacked by a bad actor who made away with several cryptocurrencies on the platform. According to DeBank data, the top affected assets in the exploit were Arbitrum (ARB), Optimism (OP), Ethereum (ETH), and Base. About $18.85 million was lost in Arbitrum, another $15.36 million in Optimism, and $7.44 in Ethereum. Altogether, this amounted to a loss of around $46 million.

As an immediate precautionary measure, users were advised to withdraw their funds immediately. The news negatively impacted the broad crypto community and even led to a plunge in the price of the Kyber Network Crystal (KNC) token. 

Advertisement
Advertisement

Hacker Turned Greedy

Noteworthy, the team behind the KyberSwap DEX tried to salvage the situation by negotiating with the hacker. The KyberSwap Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) proposed to give the perpetrator a bounty reward of 10% if the stolen funds are returned. 

To put it in perspective, the bad actor was given an ultimatum (November 25th) to return the stolen asset or remain on the run. In a surprising twist, the hacker shared a counter-proposal, seeking to take over the assets of Kyber Network, pay off existing shareholders, and take control of the KyberDAO as a condition to return the funds

With this option out of touch with reality, KyberSwap hopes the proposed refund plan will help reposition the protocol and its ecosystem.

Advertisement
coingape google news coingape google news
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Benjamin Godfrey is a blockchain enthusiast and journalists who relish writing about the real life applications of blockchain technology and innovations to drive general acceptance and worldwide integration of the emerging technology. His desires to educate people about cryptocurrencies inspires his contributions to renowned blockchain based media and sites. Benjamin Godfrey is a lover of sports and agriculture. Follow him on X, Linkedin
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.