Coinbase’s $20 Million Showdown: No Ransom, Just Rewards for Cyber Sleuths!

Coinbase is flipping the script on extortionists by offering $20 million for information leading to their arrest, instead of paying the demanded ransom. The crypto giant confirmed insider help was used to steal data, but they promise no customer funds are at risk. This is breach disclosure with a twist!

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Hot Take:

Coinbase’s response to a $20 million extortion attempt is the corporate equivalent of flipping the bird to cybercriminals. They might as well have said, “Not today, Satan!” while offering the same amount as a bounty to catch the perpetrators. It’s like a high-stakes game of cyber chicken, and Coinbase is betting big on their security measures and the long arm of the law coming through. If only all companies had such nerve and deep pockets!

Key Points:

  • Coinbase was extorted for $20 million after overseas support staff were bribed to steal information.
  • The data stolen does not include passwords or private keys but includes personal information.
  • Coinbase refuses to pay the ransom and instead offers a $20 million bounty for the attackers’ capture.
  • The company is investing in anti-fraud technologies and plans to reimburse affected customers.
  • Despite no immediate operational impact, cleanup costs could reach up to $400 million.

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