By On November 1, 2019, cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform BitMEX appeared to reveal a number of its users’ email addresses accidentally.
This was first discovered by its clients when they could view the email addresses of other users after an email regarding an update that was sent to everyone by BitMEX.
The mistake seems to be that the person in charge of sending the email listed all the address in carbon copy [CC], instead of blind carbon copy [BCC].
And indeed, images from Twitter showed that BitMEX failed to use blind copy on a mass email to its users. The platform admitted the error by writing on their official website:
“We are aware that some of our users have received a general user update email earlier today, which contained the email addresses of other users.”
The company went on to reiterate that they would fix the issue immediately and assured users that their privacy is a top priority.
Cryptonians in Twitter React
Despite BitMEX’s quick response to salvage the situation and quell privacy fears, the incident didn’t go unnoticed, with many crypto enthusiasts discussing the blunder on Twitter.
Crypto Loomdart, an influencer on Twitter, recommended that users need to change their email addresses as soon as possible, while even enabling two-factor authentication considering the possibility that their BitMEX accounts could now be vulnerable.
General Counsel at Compound Finance, Jake Chervinsky tweeted:
“BitMEX just doxxed its users in the most outrageously incompetent way imaginable: forgetting to use blind copy on mass email. Someone must be cleaning out their desk already.”
What The Blunder Could Mean for BitMEX Users
Although it’s BitMEX who made the email blunder in the first place, the privacy leak could have widespread implications for all industry services. This mishap has rendered its users susceptible to be potentially hacked, whereby cyber fraudsters could exploit their info and personal details in an attempt to launder their digital assets.
Leading exchanges have been tweeting to advise users to change their email addresses, not only on BitMEX but everywhere else.
Comments