Virtual currency is a thief's target-what if it is stolen?-Cnet Japan

　If you are investing in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and Ethereum, I would like to tell you two truths.First, your assets are the target of a thief.And it is difficult to get it back if it is stolen.

　The virtual currency exchange is surprisingly frequently hacked.In August, there was a large -scale incident from China's distributed financial platform Poly Network, where cyber criminals steal a diverse virtual currency worth $ 610 million.The hacker eventually returned his assets.

　It is unusual for assets to be returned.Japanese Bitcoin Exchange MT.In 2014, GOX was stolen in bitcoin worth $ 450 billion and was forced to bankruptcy.According to a blockchain analysis company Ciphertrace, the loss on cryptocurrency caused by hacking, theft, fraud, and illegal diversion from January to July is $ 681 million.If this pace continues, it will be less than $ 1.9 billion in 2020, but 2021 will be $ 1.17 billion.

　Even if you leave virtual currencies on a reputed exchange, you may be hacked, and it will face a huge difficulty to regain your lost assets.COINBASE, a major exchange company, was reported to have received thousands of customer service -related complaints and launched a telephone support in September, but could not satisfy unfortunate customers who lost their assets.That's it.

　Coinbase did not respond to comments, but the company's websites apply a "crime insurance" that protects some of the digital assets held throughout the storage system from loss due to data infringement.Is described.

　In addition, the company acknowledged on November 3 that customers had started a new subscription service that could purchase, sell and exchange digital currencies without fees.Web media THE BLOCK reported that the service also has additional account protection functions and "priority telephone support."

　Of course, if someone hacks your wallet (software or hardware to store virtual currency) instead of an exchange, this feature is useless.The distributed virtual currency is not the jurisdiction of anyone.Even if you want to complain, you can't find someone to complain.

　Sometimes worse than being deprived of cryptocurrencies.Attach the stolen assets to move on blockchain (technology that supports cryptocurrencies by creating a public record of transactions).

　"The stolen assets are in front of you, but nothing can be done.It's like parked in. "

　The best method, of course, should not be stolen.In other words, as much as possible, move to the "cold" wallet, which is not connected to the Internet.And the assets left on the online "Hot" wallet are as strict as possible.

　Don't abandon your wishes even if the worst situation happens.Here are some advice from experts.

Protect what is left

　PEZET says that if something is left in the invaded wallet, everything should be transferred.Delete the wallet and create a new wallet.

　"I say that all passwords related to cryptocurrency trading accounts should be changed as soon as possible. Switch e -mail accounts as soon as possible. Switch e -mail accounts as soon as possible.If you may have invaded, you should initialize it or not use it anymore.

Consult a customer service

　If the exchanges depositing cryptocurrencies are relatively large and famous, it is more likely that they will get help.Let's act quickly.Gunn says, depending on what stage the theft is, but the exchange may be able to freeze the assets.

　But be aware that most exchanges have less duty to support customers.Some exchanges are based in countries where there are few regulations for cryptocurrencies.Some countries do not regard cryptocurrencies as assets, and PEZET says that the possibility of getting the assistance from authorities in such countries is even lower.

Report the damage

　It is unlikely that the damage report will be useful for recapture of stolen virtual currency, but there is no loss in having case numbers and documents.There may be insurance claims and collective lawsuits that can be participated.If there is evidence that the theft is seriously accepted, it will be useful in the case of the personnel.

　In some cases, the US Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI) and cryptocurrency tracking companies were able to recapture cryptocurrencies.For example, in the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, the FBI was able to regain $ 2.3 million out of the $ 4.4 million Bitcoin paid as a ransom with the help of a cryptocurrency tracking expert.However, it is unlikely that the authorities will do that for the general public.

This article edited by Asahi Interactive for an article from overseas RED VENTURES for Japan.