IoTeX confirms a security breach after a suspected private key compromise, reports lower losses than rumors, coordinates with exchanges, and traces stolen assets.
IoTeX has confirmed a security breach following a suspected private key compromise. The incident caused unauthorized transfers, which drained assets from an internal token safe.
IoTeX Responds to Security Breach and Loss Estimates
According to the project team, early loss estimates seem to be less than what was first rumored in the market. Nevertheless, investigators reported that multiple tokens, including USDC, USDT, and IOTX were transferred quickly. Subsequently, several assets were exchanged for ETH before cross-chain transfers were detected.
We are aware of recent reports regarding suspicious activity involving an IoTeX token safe. Our team is fully engaged, working around the clock to assess and contain the situation.
Initial estimates indicate the potential loss is significantly lower than circulating rumors…
— IoTeX (@iotex_io) February 21, 2026
Blockchain monitoring data showed 45 ETH was bridged towards Bitcoin shortly after the attack. Additionally, there were reports of another 9.3M CCS drained, which was valued at nearly $4.5M during transfers. Combined estimates put the total potential impact at about $8.8M on affected holdings.
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IoTeX said that its security teams started containing and conducting forensic investigation procedures right away. Moreover, the company liaised with major exchanges to trace and limit suspicious funds. Officials stressed that the situation is under control despite social media speculation.
Moreover, exchange partners started keeping track of wallets associated with the known transaction patterns of the attacker. Consequently, multiple addresses were flagged while requests for freezing were disseminated via the compliance channels. Meanwhile, community members closely monitored the movement of funds through exploring blockchain with the aid of publicly accessible blockchain explorers.
Importantly, IoTeX assured the users that the normal functioning of core network operations was maintained during investigations. However, the team recommended taking extra caution with phishing attempts and unofficial recovery messages.
Asset Movements and Industry Reaction Under Scrutiny
Security incidents concerning private keys are ongoing to point out vulnerabilities in decentralized finance infrastructure worldwide. Additionally, attackers are increasingly targeting weaknesses in the operational aspects of smart contracts, rather than flaws in audited smart contracts.
Market reactions continued to be cautious as traders assessed for spillover impacts across related ecosystem tokens. However, IoTeX token prices demonstrated low volatility compared with other high-profile breaches in the past. Meanwhile, analysts said that quick interaction with exchanges usually mitigates the severity of the damage in the long term.
IoTeX has confirmed that it is still cooperating with cybersecurity experts and blockchain intelligence monitoring companies. Furthermore, investigators are still mapping transaction flows to find wallets that are associated with attempts at money laundering.
Users with affected assets are urged to audit balances and enable other account security measures. In addition, exchanges may have temporary limits on the amount of deposits for deposits associated with suspicious transaction history.
Additionally, regulators worldwide are looking at safeguards for investors within tokenized financial products. Consequently, compliance frameworks and monitoring requirements are getting larger and larger within digital asset markets.
IoTeX again reiterated its commitment to transparency and promised in-depth disclosures once investigations lead to confirmed conclusions. Meanwhile, members of the community await clarity on prospects for recovery, as well as final verified loss figures.
For now, the network is still operating with mitigation steps and monitoring controls being actively enforced on a steady basis.
