Mercado Bitcoin Hack Involves Over 48 Million Dollars, Security Claims Challenged

Mercado Bitcoin experienced a security breach with an attacker draining deposit addresses nearly four hours after the exchange claimed to have contained the incident. Bitquery's analysis reveals over 48 million dollars in stolen assets across 11 blockchains, contradicting the exchange's assertion of a quick resolution. The exchange announced at 9:56 a.m. Brazil time on November 2 that it had contained the breach, but Bitquery reports that 36,042 Ethereum customer deposit addresses were emptied between 9:27 a.m. and 1:56 p.m. Brazil time. These addresses held approximately 266,000 dollars, a small portion of the total theft, yet the attacker was able to move these funds post-announcement. Withdrawals were authorized directly by the deposit addresses, indicating the attacker had access to their private keys or a system capable of signing transactions. The total amount stolen is disputed, with initial estimates exceeding 40 million dollars, while Mercado Bitcoin's updated FAQ states affected assets are about 36.3 million dollars. Bitquery estimates the theft at 48.6 million dollars. Mercado Bitcoin has not clarified the discrepancy between its containment claim and subsequent transfers, but assured customers it would cover losses. The exchange's reopening plan starts November 9 with balance viewing only; no date for deposits, withdrawals, or trading has been set.

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