Is the Binance Crypto Exchange Safe?

Many cryptocurrency investors are asking whether the Binance crypto exchange is safe. Concerns about Binance's safety have resurfaced following a weekend Forbes report suggesting the platform may be lacking proper checks to stop crypto criminals. The Binance crypto exchange has previously suffered a costly hacking attack.

Binance, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, was launched in 2017. Its founders are Changpeng Zhao and Yi He. Binance is headquartered in Malta.

According to Forbes, more than $1.0 billion in bitcoin stolen from individuals and organizations through Ryuk ransomware has been moved to Binance in the last three years. The transfer to Binance allowed the Ryuk ransomware hackers to cash their illicit bitcoin holdings. 

Binance says that the safety of its customers and the integrity of its platforms are its top priorities. However, the leading crypto exchange admits that fighting money laundering isn’t an easy task.

Criminals using Binance to cash stolen bitcoin elsewhere is just one problem the crypto exchange has faced. Last year, for instance, a Binance hack resulted in the theft of 7,000 bitcoins worth $40 million at the time. Binance suspended some activities on its platform after the hacking incident, and offered to refund the stolen bitcoin.

Concerns about whether the Binance crypto exchange is safe also come amid rising losses due to crypto crimes. In 2019, crypto crime-related financial losses more than doubled from the previous year, to $4.5 billion. They've grown even more common in the coronavirus pandemic. 

Ryuk is a type of ransomware that hackers deploy to block access to systems or files until a ransom is paid, often in the form of bitcoin. Ryuk denies victims access by encrypting the targeted items, and directs the victims to send the bitcoin ransom to a specific bitcoin wallet. The hackers then move the bitcoin to a crypto exchange to cash it.

The rise in crypto crime has left many investors seeking the safest bitcoin exchange for their trading. Any crypto exchange can be a victim of hacking. But if you're looking for the safest bitcoin exchange, your best bet is a large, reputable crypto exchange. Large exchanges aren't only better equipped with strong security systems, but also often have insurance to cover potential losses. 

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