Iran's Central Bank has imposed a 'crypto curfew' from 10 AM to 8 PM for all digital asset trading platforms following a $100 million cyberattack on Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange.
The cyberattack by the group Predatory Sparrow, allegedly connected to Israel, resulted in the destruction of around $90 million worth of cryptocurrency and revealed Nobitex's source code.
Nobitex initially claimed the losses were due to a 'technical operation' before confirming the 'psychological attack' meant to undermine trust.
Iran's Central Bank enacted the curfew to enhance oversight and security to prevent future nighttime attacks when staff may not be available.
Despite assurances from Nobitex that funds are secure and efforts to recover data, the incident raises concerns over the safety and regulation of decentralized finance in Iran.
The gradual recovery of normal trading on Nobitex, with added security measures, is expected over the next few days while industry experts anticipate regional cybersecurity reassessments.
The ongoing investigation suggests a looming digital warfare challenge for Iranian authorities and crypto industry players as they navigate economic uncertainties and regulatory scrutiny.
Iranian crypto users will adapt to the curfew regulation and a changing landscape in the digital finance sector post-Nobitex breach.
The incident serves as a catalyst for discussions on innovation, security, and economic stability within Iran's evolving crypto ecosystem.
The lasting impact of the Nobitex breach and government responses will shape the future landscape of digital assets in Iran and potentially neighboring regions.
Always conduct thorough research before engaging in cryptocurrency transactions or investments, as emphasized by this report.