Security concerns rise as 237.68 million XRP, valued at $117.4 million, is unlawfully transferred.
In a startling revelation, Chris Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple, has become the target of a hacking incident resulting in the unauthorized transfer of a staggering 237.68 million XRP, with an estimated worth of $117.4 million. The incident, disclosed recently, has triggered concerns within the community and highlights the persistent security challenges faced by digital asset holders.
Hacked XRP Traced to Multiple Exchanges
Information from Lookonchain indicates that a significant portion of the stolen XRP, around 212.68 million (equivalent to $105 million), has been traced to various cryptocurrency exchanges, including WhiteBit, Gate, Kraken, Binance, MEXC, and OKX. However, a distinct sum of 25 million XRP, valued at $12.35 million, remains in a recently activated XRP wallet. This wallet was initiated through a transfer from Larsen's compromised wallet but has not yet reached any exchange.
The transparency of blockchain technology allows stakeholders to monitor fund movements within this specific wallet, sparking speculation about the potential strategies of the hacker. Chris Larsen has confirmed the involvement of law enforcement agencies in the ongoing investigation, and affected exchanges have been duly informed of the breach.
Guidance on Securing XRP Holdings
Nik Bougalis, former engineering director at Ripple, has offered guidance in light of the hack. He recommends utilizing native multi-signature support, allowing users to implement accounts that require multiple signatures for transactions. While not foolproof, Bougalis asserts that this method enhances security, mitigating potential risks.
As the community awaits further updates on the investigation, attention is focused on the actions of the hacker and the disposition of the outstanding 25 million XRP. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures in the volatile landscape of digital assets.
The security breach highlights the ongoing challenges in safeguarding digital assets, urging stakeholders to remain vigilant in implementing enhanced security measures.