US Senators Demand Clarification on SEC Security Breach
United States senators J.D. Vance and Thom Tillis have sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair Gary Gensler, expressing their concern over the recent security breach on the agency’s official Twitter account. The senators described the incident as “unacceptable” and requested clarification on the matter.
Confusion Over Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval
The SEC tweeted that it had granted approval for spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to be listed on US securities exchanges. However, approximately 15 minutes later, Gensler clarified that the agency’s account had been compromised and that no such approval had been given. The conflicting statements caused confusion in the market.
Serious Concerns Raised about Cybersecurity Procedures
Vance and Tillis raised serious concerns about the SEC’s internal cybersecurity procedures in their letter to Gensler. They emphasized that these incidents undermine the agency’s mission to protect investors and maintain fair markets. The senators called for a thorough explanation of the breach and its implications.
Six Questions for SEC Chairman
The senators posed six questions to Gensler in their letter, seeking clarity on various aspects of the incident. They asked whether the compromised tweet was made by an insider, how it would impact the final decision on spot bitcoin ETFs, and if the SEC plans to compensate for any financial losses resulting from the error.
Bitcoin Price Volatility
Following the initial tweet and subsequent clarification, the price of bitcoin experienced significant volatility. It spiked to around $47,950 before dropping to $45,285. As of now, its price stands at $45,983.
Investigation and Lack of Two-Factor Authentication
The SEC has announced that it will collaborate with law enforcement to investigate the security breach. The agency’s safety team revealed that a preliminary investigation suggests an unidentified individual gained control over the phone number associated with the SEC’s account, which did not have two-factor authentication.
Hot Take: Senators Demand Clarity and Accountability from SEC
US senators Vance and Tillis have demanded clarity and accountability from SEC chair Gensler following the security breach on the agency’s Twitter account. They expressed serious concerns about the incident and its impact on investor protection and market integrity. The senators have posed several important questions regarding the breach and expect a response from Gensler by January 23rd. This incident highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures within regulatory bodies to ensure the safety and trust of investors in the digital asset space.
By
By
By
By
By