Turkish Crypto Exchange BtcTurk Faces Cyber Attack, Wallets Compromised

Bhushan Akolkar
June 22, 2024
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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.

Highlights

  • Some BtcTurk hot wallets compromised with crypto balances across 10 digital assets.
  • BtcTurk said most of its funds are in cold wallets are completely safe at the moment.
  • BtcTurk stated that losses from the attack are well within manageable limits and won't affect users.

Just hours before on June 22, prominent crypto exchange BtcTurk disclosed a cyber attack that resulted in unauthorized access to some of its hot wallets. As per the preliminary report, the hackers managed to get their hands on some crypto balances across 10 different cryptocurrencies stored in the hot wallets.

BtcTurk Cyber Attack – Cold Wallets SAFU

While the hackers managed to gain access to the hot wallets, BtcTurk reported that a majority of their crypto asset holdings remained in the cold wallets, which remain completely secure.

Furthermore, BtcTurk has assured users that its financial resilience exceeds the impacted amounts. Thus, the exchange has ensured that the user assets are safeguarded from losses. Additionally, BtcTurk has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident while engaging with relevant authorities.

As a precautionary measure, BtcTurk has also temporarily suspended crypto deposits and withdrawals. The exchange stated that its team is working diligently to resolve the issue and thus restore full functionality to its platform for all its users.

Turkey’s Rise In Crypto Adoption

Soaring inflation and falling Lira have been the key reasons for the rising crypto adoption in Turkey over the past few years. However, things got more exciting recently after the Turkish government decided to overhaul the country’s tax system.

Turkish lawmakers are working to replenish the national finances which depleted considerably after last year’s destructive earthquakes. These measures to bolster their revenue streams have pushed Turkish citizens to explore cryptocurrencies as tax-efficient investment alternatives.

However, amid the rising crypto adoption in Turkey, the government has proposed implementing a 0.03% tax on crypto transactions. This measure could likely generate approximately 3.7 billion Liras in annual revenue for the government.

Seeing the rising demand for crypto, retail banking institutions in Turkey are also willing to support digital assets transactions. Last week, Garanti BBVA Digital Assets, a subsidiary of Garanti BBVA Financial Technologies, launched crypto wallet services on its mobile platform.

As a result, the bank’s customers will now be able to trade Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USD Coin (USDC) using the Garanti BBVA Crypto app. Initially, the service will provide limited user access since it is available as a beta platform.

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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
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
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.