Hackers Exploit GitLab Vulnerability
Byte Federal, a leading Bitcoin ATM operator in the United States, has reported a major data breach affecting the personal information of approximately 58,000 customers. The breach, which occurred on November 18, 2024, was traced to a vulnerability in GitLab, a widely used third-party software platform for development and collaboration.
The company’s security team promptly identified the unauthorized access and took immediate action to shut down the platform, isolate the attacker, and secure the affected server. Byte Federal implemented a hard reset of all customer accounts, alongside updates to internal security protocols, including passwords, management systems, tokens, and keys.
To fully understand the breach’s impact and prevent future incidents, the company engaged an independent cybersecurity firm to conduct a forensic investigation. Byte Federal is also cooperating closely with law enforcement to address the incident. Importantly, the company reassured its customers that no financial assets or cryptocurrency holdings were compromised during the breach.
Personal Data Targeted in the Breach
According to an SEC filing, the breach exposed a range of sensitive customer information, including names, birthdates, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, government-issued IDs, social security numbers, transaction histories, and photographs. While there is no evidence yet that this data has been misused, the sheer volume and sensitivity of the information have raised concerns among customers.
Byte Federal a Bitcoin ATM operator has taken extensive measures to protect its users, including setting up a dedicated helpline and offering customer support to address any issues stemming from the breach. The company is also urging affected individuals to reset their login credentials immediately and stay vigilant against potential identity theft or fraudulent activities.
To further protect their accounts, customers are advised to monitor their financial statements and credit reports for unusual transactions. Byte Federal has provided guidance on placing fraud alerts or security freezes with major credit reporting agencies to mitigate the risk of misuse.
Commitment to Data Security
Paul Tarantino, CEO of Byte Federal leading Bitcoin ATM operator , issued a public apology for the breach, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safeguarding user data. “We take our responsibilities to protect your personal data very seriously,” Tarantino said. “We are deeply troubled by this situation and are doing everything in our power to address it.”
The company has pledged to enhance its cybersecurity defenses to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes reviewing and strengthening partnerships with third-party service providers like GitLab to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
This breach serves as a stark reminder of the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by financial service providers, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector. As Byte Federal continues to investigate and respond to the incident, customers are encouraged to remain proactive in securing their personal and financial information.
