At least two prominent bitcoin exchanges were targeted by cyberattacks that interrupted normal operations and trading.
BTC-e and Bitfinex were targeted by distributed denial-of-service ("DDoS") attacks, a form of cyberattack which typically uses multiple compromised systems to flood a target with message traffic that exceeds its processing capacity. The attacks temporarily disrupted service for both exchanges but reportedly did not cause a loss of funds or protected information. According to a CNBC report, service interruptions like those caused by the DDoS attacks could allow traders to "manipulate the bitcoin market."
Both exchanges have resumed normal service.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.