Privacy Protocol Umbra Shuts Down Frontend to Block Attackers from Laundering Stolen Kelp Funds

Gate News message, April 22 — Privacy protocol Umbra has shut down its frontend website to prevent attackers from using the protocol to transfer stolen funds following recent attacks, including the Kelp protocol breach that resulted in losses exceeding $280 million. Approximately $800,000 in stolen funds were transferred through Umbra, though the protocol only protects the recipient’s identity, not the sender’s; all transferred funds remain identifiable.

The decision came several days after the Kelp attack, which is suspected to be carried out by North Korean hackers. Reports indicate attackers attempted to bridge funds from Ethereum to Bitcoin using Umbra and similar protocols. Umbra has placed its hosted frontend in maintenance mode pending confirmation that the action will not hinder ongoing fund recovery efforts.

However, Umbra cannot prevent users from directly interacting with its smart contracts or using self-hosted versions of its open-source frontend.