Hackers hijack blockchain in rare '51% attack'

Hackers hijack blockchain in rare '51% attack'

Unknown hackers may have successfully hijacked the Ethereum Classic blockchain through a rare so-called “51% attack”.

Cryptocurrency exchanges including Coinbase have frozen trading of the token amid fears that the exceptionally rare blockchain attack has been executed.

According to Coinbase, the reorganisation of the blockchain has led to the attacker taking control of tokens worth almost £400,000.

Dr Patrick McCorry, assistant professor of computer science at King’s College London, told Sky News it was important to distinguish Ethereum – the second-largest cryptocurrency behind Bitcoin – and Ethereum Classic, which is in the top 20 and split from Ethereum in 2015.
By Alexander J Martin
To read the full article click here.
Facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditlinkedinmail