Background Image for Hypedrop crypto hack: Alphapo's $61M loss in 2023
Image for Hypedrop crypto hack: Alphapo's $61M loss in 2023

Hypedrop crypto hack: Alphapo's $61M loss in 2023

Hypedrop's Alphapo hack is one of the biggest crypto heists recently, with a huge $60 million lost. The crypto community is seriously unsettled.

Takeaways by BetterChecked
  • Hypedrop lost millions in a crypto breach.
  • Alphapo's hot wallet hack took $60M in assets. Guess someone had a pretty lucrative day.
  • Ethereum, Tron, and Bitcoin are some of the pilfered cryptocurrencies.
  • Users had their funds frozen while the issue was being resolved.
  • Hypedrop told users their funds are safe. Well, that's what they stated.
  • Hypedrop ceased operations in mid-2024.
First published 4/13/2024 on BetterChecked• last updated 7/9/2024

Imagine waking up to find $60 million in crypto gone overnight. That's what happened to Alphapo, the payment processor for HypeDrop, on July 22, 2023.

Hackers planned their raid, stealing:

  • ->6.074 million USDT
  • ->$108,000 in USDC
  • ->100.2 million FTN
  • ->430,000 TFL
  • ->2,500 ETH
  • ->1,700 DAI
Hackers exploiting hot wallets versus cold storage

The hackers exploited weaknesses in Alphapo's hot wallets, which are always online and vulnerable to attacks, unlike cold storage, which is offline and secure.

Recommendation by BetterChecked

The Alphapo breach shows why strong security is a must in the crypto world. We need to stop big digital thefts because losing millions in crypto really sucks :(

A similar incident occurred last year, resulting in a $40 million loss. The consequences of such breaches can be severe, highlighting the need for strong security measures in the crypto industry.

HypeDrop users left in financial limbo

For HypeDrop, things took a turn for the worse quickly. Since they relied on Alphapo for crypto payments, when the issue arose, they had to halt all

crypto deposits and withdrawals.

As a result, users were unable to access their funds for weeks, causing extreme frustration. People took to Twitter and Reddit to express their frustration and seek updates.

Some had up to $20,000 stuck, leading to significant stress. HypeDrop's customer support received a large volume of questions, with some users appreciating the quick responses via chat and email, while others were unhappy about the lack of transparency.

Frustrated customer meme, "When you email support and get a response but no solution"

To address the issue, HypeDrop:

  • ->Made two-factor authentication (2FA) mandatory for all transactions
  • ->Moved a significant portion of their assets to cold storage for added security
Recommendation by BetterChecked

The HypeDrop crisis shows how important it is to have clear communication and strong security to keep users trusting you. After all, nothing screams "trust us" like a cyber mess-up.

The crisis had a significant impact on HypeDrop's reputation. The platform eventually shut down in mid-2024 due to other financial issues, and the hack left a lasting impact on the digital community.

A ship sinking labeled "HypeDrop" with users trying to escape on lifeboats

Strengthening crypto security measures after Hypedrop hack

The HypeDrop hack served as a wake-up call for the entire crypto world, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures.

As Alphapo handled millions of dollars daily, this breach provided a major lesson. In response, experts are now advocating for enhanced security protocols.

"When you realize your crypto isn't as secure as you thought - meme idea: a panicked face with a laptop screen showing a hack alert"
  • ->Regular security checks are also essential to ensure the integrity of platforms.

Top audit firms can conduct regular assessments to ensure that platforms meet high security standards. The increased adoption of cold storage solutions, where most assets are kept offline, can lower the risk of hacks. Major exchanges like Coinbase already store 98% of user funds in cold storage.

Recommendation by BetterChecked

The crypto industry needs to use strong security and follow rules to protect against new cyber threats. Losing millions in a hack is not a small deal.

Furthermore, there is a growing push for more regulation in the crypto space. Although the crypto world values decentralization, having basic security rules set by regulators could be beneficial.

Following established frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001 for information security should become the standard.

The reality is that a system that can be hacked by someone in their mom's basement is not secure.

"Funny sketch of a hacker in a basement with 'not secure' written on the screen

In short, the HypeDrop crypto heist teaches the online mystery box industry important lessons, underscoring the growing cyber threats and the need for stronger security, as well as the delicate balance between innovation and risk.

The HypeDrop hack serves as a warning for the industry to prioritize security, as the future of cryptocurrency hinges on addressing this challenge.

The crisis presents an opportunity for growth and improvement.

This article was written, checked and verified by multiple authors to ensure maximum accuracy and up to date data. We strive for providing the best and most helpful resources about BetterChecked available.

  • Profile Picture of author BetterChecked Editorial Staff
    BetterChecked Editorial StaffPublisher and authors with years of experience.
  • Profile Picture of author Ashley
    AshleyProfessional mystery box unboxer and part-time gamer, I'm here to guide you through the numerous providers and to help avoid getting scammed. Expect the unexpected. You can call me UnboxFanatic.

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