Cryptopia takes down its services and website following a security breach

• Cryptopia revealed that the incident occurred on January 14, 2019.
• Trading on the website is suspended until further notice.

Cryptopia, a cryptocurrency exchange based in New Zealand, has reported a security breach that may have resulted in significant losses. Following the breach, the firm has taken the websites and service offline and posted a message on the home page that reads ‘unscheduled maintenance mode’.

What happened?

Cryptopia revealed that the incident occurred on January 14, 2019. Upon discovery, the services were taken down to control the damage. Trading on the website is suspended until further notice.

The firm has notified the law enforcement agencies about the incident. New Zealand’s police force and the High Tech Crimes Unit are currently investigating the matter.

In a statement provided by the New Zealand police, the firm disclosed that it discovered the breach after it detected an unauthorized transaction activity on the website. It is believed that a significant value of cryptocurrency may have been stolen in the breach, although the firm is yet to find out the exact amount.

“We are currently talking to the company to gain a further understanding of what has occurred. A dedicated investigation team is being established in Christchurch including specialist police staff with expertise in this area. Police are also liaising with relevant partner agencies in New Zealand and overseas,” said the New Zealand police report.

"We are committed to getting this resolved as quickly as possible and will keep you all updated every step of the way," Cryptopia said in a Twitter post.

The website will be in maintenance mode until the firm completes its investigation process.