El Salvador's high-profile approach attracts attention from criminal organizations, Chivo Bitcoin wallet information leaked

The Bitcoin wallet Chivo in El Salvador has encountered a security vulnerability. The cybercrime organization CiberInteligenciaSV not only leaked the personal information of over 5 million Salvadorans on forums but also further disclosed some of the source code and VPN access information of the Salvadoran Chivo wallet.

Bitcoin Wallet Chivo Invaded by Criminal Organization

Chivo is a Bitcoin payment app in El Salvador that allows electronic payments via QR code, exchange between US dollars and Bitcoin, and features KYC verification. When it was launched in 2021, President Nayib Bukele introduced it live and announced that each citizen would receive $30 worth of Bitcoin for consumption. Chivo also offers Bitcoin ATMs for its users.

According to a report by The Block, the online criminal organization CiberInteligenciaSV leaked segments of the wallet's source code and VPN access information on an online hacker forum on Tuesday. This vulnerability is one of the latest attacks on the official Chivo Bitcoin wallet in El Salvador. The group had previously released personal data of around 5.1 million Salvadorans online after the Salvadoran government refused to negotiate with them.

CiberInteligenciaSV boldly stated on the forum:

This time I bring you the code of the Salvadoran Bitcoin Chivo wallet ATM, which is a government wallet. We will not sell it but release all content to you for free.

El Salvador's High-profile Approach Attracts Online Criminal Organizations

In 2021, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, aiming to reduce the impact of currency devaluation on the national economy. It partnered with the Mexican cryptocurrency exchange Bitso to launch the official Bitcoin wallet Chivo.

The recent surge in Bitcoin prices has made Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who was re-elected, very confident. Not only did he disclose his cold wallet address but also announced a daily Bitcoin investment plan. In addition, various construction projects are progressing rapidly. Tech giant Google has established an office in El Salvador, and Bitfinex has announced the launch of tokenized securities to raise $6.25 million for the construction and development of a hotel and shopping complex at the international airport in El Salvador.

Bitfinex to Raise Over $6 Million in Tokenized Securities for a New Facade at El Salvador's International Airport

Perhaps due to its high-profile approach, El Salvador has attracted the attention of online criminal organizations. However, the Salvadoran government has not yet responded to this incident.