Cryptocurrency mining marketplace NiceHash hacked
AFP PHOTO/STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN
NiceHash, a cryptocurrency mining marketplace, has been hacked, the company said in a press release.
“Our payment system was compromised and the contents of the NiceHash Bitcoin wallet have been stolen. We are working to verify the precise number of BTC taken,” it said.
Operations have been stopped for 24 hours and users were urged to change online passwords “as a precaution.”
Earlier, NiceHash announced that its “service” had been under maintenance.
Dear NiceHash user, our service is currently under maintenance.
We are sorry for the inconvenience and please stay tuned for updates.
Thank you for your understanding.— NiceHash (@NiceHashMining) December 6, 2017
Coindesk reports that according to a wallet address, 4,736 bitcoins, or about $68 million (P3.5 billion), as of writing is in the bitcoin wallet.
NiceHash operates as a company that matches people who have extra computing power to cryptominers. Mining for bitcoins requires sizeable and expensive computer resources, according to website Bezinga. Niña V. Guno /ra
RELATED STORIES:
Bitcoin defies bubble fears and smashes $12,000, hits new record
How cryptocurrencies like bitcoin work
Bitcoin mining surpasses electricity consumption of 20 European countries
