Breach, Data Security

Possible database compromise prompts Canadian Bitcoin exchange to shut down

Canadian Bitcoin exchange CAVIRTEX is shutting down following a database compromise, the company announced on Tuesday.

In a notification posted to the CAVIRTEX website, the company stated that “on February 15, 2015 we found reason to believe that an older version of our database, including 2FA secrets and hashed passwords, may have been compromised. This database did not include identification documents.”

The company believes its reputation has been damaged and it can no longer operate successfully, the notification indicated.

Currently, no new deposits are being accepted. Trading will be halted on March 20, and withdrawals will no longer be processed after March 25, the company stated, explaining that it is solvent and will be able to accommodate withdrawal requests made prior to March 25.

Users are being asked to change their passwords and clear their CAVIRTEX browser cookies.

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