US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase said on Thursday it was targeted by hackers who stole customer data and demanded $20mn to prevent its public disclosure.
The group, which is set to become the first crypto exchange to join the S&P 500 on May 19, said the cyber demands were made on Sunday.
The California-based exchange has promised to pay a $20mn reward — the amount demanded — for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Its shares closed down 7.2 per cent in New York. They had soared by a quarter on Tuesday after the announcement of its inclusion in the US blue-chip stock…