Hackers sponsored by China are targeting federal agencies, technology companies and critical infrastructure sector organizations with a new type of malware affecting Linux, VMWare kernel and Windows environments that may be difficult to detect and eradicate.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Security Agency and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security are strongly advising organizations take steps to scan systems for BRICKSTORM using detection signatures and rules; inventory all network edge devices; monitor edge devices for suspicious network connectivity and ensure proper network segmentation. The organizations released a malware analysis report to help organizations combat the threat.

“BRICKSTORM underscores the grave threats that are posed by the People’s Republic of China to our nation’s critical infrastructure. State sponsored actors are not just infiltrating networks, they are embedding themselves to enable long term access, disruption and potential sabotage. That’s why we’re urging every organization to treat this threat with the seriousness that it demands,” said Nick Andersen, CISA’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity, during a call with reporters today. “The advisory we issued today provides indicators of compromise (IOCs) and detection signatures to assist critical infrastructure owners and operators in determining whether they have been compromised. It also gives recommended mitigation actions to protect against what is truly pervasive PRC activity.”

CISA says BRICKSTORM features advanced functionality to conceal communications, move laterally and tunnel into victim networks and automatically reinstall or restart the malware if disrupted. Andersen said CISA became aware of the threat in mid-August and it’s part of a “persistent, long-term campaigns of nation state threat actors, in particular those that are sponsored by the People’s Republic of China, to hold at risk our nation’s critical infrastructure through cyber means.”

The malware has impacted at least eight organizations, including one where CISA provided incident response services to. Andersen wouldn’t say how many of those eight were federal agencies or which ones have been impacted.

“This is a terribly sophisticated piece of malware that’s being used, and that’s why we’re encouraging all organizations to take action to protect themselves, and if they do become victims of it or other malicious activity, to report it to CISA, so we can have a better understanding of the full picture of not just where this malware is being employed, but the more robust picture of the wider cyber threat landscape,” Andersen said.

New way to interact with industry

Since January, CISA has issued 20 joint cybersecurity advisories and threat intelligence guidance documents with U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as with our other international partners.

“Together, we’ve exposed nation-state sponsored intrusions, AI enabled ransomware operations and the ever evolving threats to critical infrastructure,” Andersen said.

Along with the warnings and analysis about BRICKSTORM, CISA also launched a new Industry Engagement Platform (IEP). CISA says it’s designed to let the agency and companies share information and develop innovative and security technologies.

“The IEP enables CISA to better understand emerging solutions across the technology ecosystem while giving industry a clear, transparent pathway to engage with the agency,” CISA said in a release. “The IEP allows organizations – including industry, non-profits, academia, government partners … and the research community – with a structured process to request conversations with CISA subject matter experts to describe new technologies and capabilities. These engagements give innovators the opportunity to present solutions that may strengthen our nation’s cyber and infrastructure security.”

CISA says while participation in the IEP does not provide preferential consideration for future federal contracts, it serves as a channel for the government to gain insight into new capabilities and market trends.

Current areas of interest include:

• Information technology and security controls

• Data, analytics, storage, and data management

• Communications technologies

• Any emerging technologies that advance CISA’s mission, including post-quantum cryptography and other next-generation capabilities

Andersen said while the IEP and related work is separate from the BRICKSTORM analysis, it’s all part of how CISA is trying to ensure all organizations protect themselves from the ever-changing cyber threat.

“The threat here is not theoretical, and BRICKSTORM underscores the grave threats that are posed by the People’s Republic of China to our nation’s critical infrastructure,” he said  “We know that state sponsored actors are not just infiltrating networks. They’re embedding themselves to enable the long term access disruption and potential sabotage that enables their strategic objectives, and that’s why we continue to urge every organization to treat this threat with serious demands.”

The post Agencies, IT companies impacted by latest malware from China first appeared on Federal News Network.

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Vibe coding has taken the tech industry by storm, and it’s not just the Lovables and Replits of the world that are winning. The startups building the infrastructure behind them are cashing in too.  Supabase, the open-source database platform that’s become the backend of choice for the vibe-coding world, raised $100 million at a $5 billion valuation just months after closing $200 million at $2 billion. But co-founder and CEO […]

The Future of Electronic Health Records with Blockchain — Security, Interoperability, and True Patient Ownership

Electronic health record systems are the backbone of modern healthcare. But today’s electronic medical record systems are often siloed, insecure, and frustrating for both providers and patients. Records are lost between hospitals, insurers face delays, and patients rarely feel in control of their own data.

Blockchain technology in healthcare is changing that. By enabling secure, interoperable, and transparent blockchain health records, blockchain creates a future where patients truly own their data — and healthcare businesses gain efficiency, compliance, and trust.

Why Blockchain is the Future of EHRs

Traditional electronic health care systems are centralized and vulnerable. Data breaches cost the healthcare industry billions each year, while interoperability in healthcare between standards like FHIR healthcare and HL7 remains a challenge.

Blockchain for health records solves these problems by offering:

• 🔐 Immutable Security — Every transaction is encrypted and tamper-proof.
• 🔗 Healthcare on blockchain ensures smooth integration across EMR/EHR, insurers, and telemedicine platforms.
• 👩‍⚕️ Blockchain patient records allow individuals to grant or revoke access with full transparency.

How Healthcare Businesses Benefit

For hospitals, insurers, and MedTech companies, blockchain and health care isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a strategic investment.

• Cost Efficiency: Automation for insurance reduces paperwork and administrative costs.
• Fraud Prevention: Blockchain in the insurance industry ensures tamper-proof data and eliminates duplicate claims.
• Compliance Advantage: GDPR, HIPAA, and zero-trust frameworks are easier with blockchain technology for healthcare.
• ROI & Growth: Faster claims, reduced disputes, and data-driven decision-making powered by blockchain applications for healthcare data management.

How Patients Benefit

Patients are no longer passive participants — blockchain and insurance industry integration gives them real power.

• 🚀 Faster Approvals: Insurance blockchain enables one-click claim verification.
• 🔐 Stronger Privacy: Blockchain and medical records remain encrypted and tamper-proof.
• 📊 Transparency: Patients track claims and data access in real-time.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Ownership: Blockchain technology and healthcare put consent, e-prescriptions, and telemedicine visits in the patient’s control.

Real-World Applications of Blockchain in Healthcare

• 🏥 Hospitals using healthcare software development services to secure EHR and improve interoperability.
• 📱 Telemedicine app development integrating consent flows and e-prescriptions with blockchain patient records.
• 🚗 Blockchain in insurance industry for fraud-proof, automated claims.
• 💊 Healthcare software development companies building clinical trial systems with tamper-proof logs.

Market Growth & Future Outlook

📈 The blockchain in healthcare market is expanding rapidly.

• Valued at $2.1 billion in 2023, projected CAGR 68% by 2030.
• Blockchain in the insurance industry is expected to cross $25 billion by 2030.
• Businesses adopting custom healthcare software development today gain compliance, efficiency, and patient trust.

Why DureDev

At DureDev, we don’t just code — we deliver full-stack software development healthcare solutions:

• 👨‍💻 Custom healthcare software development company with expertise in healthcare mobile app development.
• 📱 Building telemedicine application development solutions with consent, e-Rx, and privacy-first design.
• 💼 Proven healthcare app development services integrated with blockchain in healthcare.
• ⚙️ From idea to deployment, we offer healthcare mobile application development that ensures measurable ROI.

Conclusion: A Patient-Centric Future

With blockchain technology in healthcare, businesses gain efficiency, fraud protection, and compliance — while patients enjoy faster claims, stronger privacy, and true ownership of their data.

👉 Talk to us today

🔗 Important Links

• Book a free scoping call with DureDev today to explore how custom software development for healthcare, insurance blockchain, and telemedicine platforms can transform your operations.
• Ready to Level Up?
• How Blockchain Technology Makes Insurance Claims Fast, Secure, and One-Click

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The Future of Electronic Health Records with Blockchain — Security, Interoperability, and True… was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Morpheus automates Tier 1 and Tier 2 SOC work across Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, and Entra ID. Scale your MSSP, maintain SLA compliance and service quality.

The post Morpheus on Microsoft: AI SOC Platform for MSSPs Managing Sentinel, Defender, Entra, and More appeared first on D3 Security.

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Google is suing a Chinese phishing network behind $1B in global scams, aiming to shut down its Lighthouse platform and boost security with AI and passkeys.

The post Google Sues China-Based ‘Lighthouse’ Phishing Service After $1B+ Scams Target Millions appeared first on TechRepublic.

The Allen Institute in Seattle has released the Brain Knowledge Platform, a research aid described as the most comprehensive artificial intelligence tool available for neuroscience.

The project aims to unify brain information from dozens of collaborators, species (such as humans, other primates and mice), and samples that span early development to old age, encompassing diverse data including cell types and disease indicators.

Using AI, this data has been translated into a shared scientific language or format, allowing for “apples-to-apples” comparisons across institutions and organisms to create a much larger dataset for new insights.

“Understanding the brain is not a single institute’s effort,” said Shoaib Mufti, the Allen Institute’s head of data and technology. “So you have to bring the community together in order to understand it.”

There’s an urgent need to better prevent, diagnose and treat neurological conditions. The number of people worldwide living with or dying from conditions like stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and meningitis has increased significantly over recent decades, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

In 2021, an estimated 3.4 billion people experienced a nervous system condition, which also includes brain injuries and migraines.

To create the Brain Knowledge Platform, the Allen Institute recruited participants to voluntarily share their data. Contributors include the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, teams at the University of Washington and Harvard University, the Seattle Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Cell Atlas, or SEA-AD, and others.

Amazon Web Services engineered the tool’s core computing infrastructure while Google developed AI models for the neuroscience. Funding came from the Allen Institute as well as the National Institutes of Health’s Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative, or BRAIN Initiative.

Mufti said the resource is designed to be a “discovery platform,” not a traditional research tool where a scientist has a clear idea of what they are looking for. “How you can get to the ‘aha moments’ so you find something unexpected?” he asked.

Using the platform, scientists will be able to look across diseases. Studying the differences and similarities between people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, for example, was previously laborious to make the data comparable.

With the Brain Knowledge Platform, “you can literally line those up side by side in the tool,” said Tyler Mollenkopf, associate director of data and technology at the Allen Institute.

While much of the data comes from research animals, information gathered from human brains — including 84 postmortem donors — is also available, stripped from identifying details.

The resource is offered to scientists for free. The team hopes more organizations contribute data and they’re devising a mechanism to provide attribution to credit researchers for their information, which could encourage sharing.

Given the massive societal impact of brain diseases “a real breakthrough is needed” to better understand them, said Mufti. “Let’s bring all the information together and make it discoverable. I’m hoping that [we] can really move the ball forward in a single community.”

Google is suing a Chinese phishing network behind $1B in global scams, aiming to shut down its Lighthouse platform and boost security with AI and passkeys.

The post Google Sues China-Based ‘Lighthouse’ Phishing Service After $1B+ Scams Target Millions appeared first on TechRepublic.

A veteran-owned small business in the northwest part of the country is waiting for the government to pay them about $20 million in contract invoices.

The company executive, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, said their line of credit will only last so much longer before the banks and other creditors come asking for payment.

“Once we hit our limit, we are stuck and the only thing we can do is work with vendors to let them know we are good for money once the government reopens,” the executive said in an interview with Federal News Network. “Once you cross a certain threshold, banks want to see certain things because you are using 80% of your line of credit. They want to know why you’re past due on your receivables, so they want to see reports. Some banks do not understand the government resell process and the fact that we do not operate as a traditional business.”

This IT product reseller, which is located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), is one of thousands of companies, both large and small, suffering an extra level of pain during the partial government shutdown.

Not only are firms facing stop work orders, reduced contract scopes or terminations of convenience altogether, but many are waiting to get paid from invoices submitted on or before Sept. 30.

“There isn’t anyone working at the pay centers to approve invoices. A lot of what we do is net 30 stuff that goes through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) or other payment portals. We usually submit our invoices and the government approves them, but there isn’t anyone there to do that,” the executive said. “We have one instance where we need additional information before submitting our invoice, but no one is there to give us that information, so can’t submit the invoice. In general, we are submitting invoices and seeing what happens. Then our accounting team is doing outreach after 30 days, and that’s when we are getting bounce backs from emails.”

The company executive said agencies made a lot of purchases on Sept. 30, which means not only are the invoices more than 30 days old, but the vendors they bought from are expecting to get paid regardless of whether or not the government pays first.

“That is creating problems for us in terms of having to make changes and manage cash flow,” the executive said. “The majority of the vendors we deal with know the government space, they are aware of shutdown and they are being friendly about the situation. They aren’t hounding us about past due bills, but with others we are floating the money. We have to use our line of credit or make partial payments to keep them happy.”

Interest penalties accruing

Adding to the challenge of waiting for payments when the government reopens is that vendors are entitled to interest on late payments under the Prompt Payment Act.

The Treasury Department says the interest rate for calendar year 2025 is 4.625%.  This means that the small business which is owed $20 million in outstanding invoices would be owed about $74,000 in interest as of Nov. 10.

This one example is just the tip of the Prompt Payment Interest iceberg that agencies will face when they reopen.

Tim Soltis, a former federal financial management executive who worked at the Office of Management and Budget, Treasury and the Education Department during his 25-year career in federal service, said there usually isn’t money to pay for these interest payments, so agencies will have make to cuts elsewhere.

“They may have to cut overtime or cut hiring to make room for these payments,” he said. “At Education, I ran both the financial and contracting side and budget and contracting work hand-in-hand in many cases. The budget has to be adjusted before an invoice is paid and it must draw from the same appropriation line. With the shutdown happening at the beginning of the fiscal year, agencies probably have money to pay the interest, but they will have less things to spend on during the year.”

Soltis said over the last decade through IPP or other electronic payment processing systems, the government has basically solved the issue of late payments to contractors, which is why Congress passed the Prompt Payment Act in 1982.

He said a lot of agencies may have to figure out how to calculate and pay the interest because it’s been so long since they’ve had to do it.

When is the invoice accepted?

Eric Crusius, a procurement attorney and partner with Hunton law firm, said he rarely hears from clients about prompt payment issues. But contractors need to be prepared to claim interest when the government reopens.

“If the invoice was submitted before the shutdown, then it’s supposed to be applied automatically,” he said. “I’d recommend first sending an email to the contracting officer about the interest that is due, and then lodge a claim with the contracting officer if they don’t accept it. Unless the contract has some other terms and conditions, usually there is a seven-day invoice acceptance period no matter if the government is open or not. Now, the government could make the argument that there wasn’t anyone there to receive the invoice or product or service. I’d recommend to make a claim and argue it should be automatically accepted.”

The issue of when the government “accepts” a company’s invoice is one of the biggest, and most concerning, questions that vendors need to understand.

Soltis said an agency accepting an invoice is usually dependent on how the contract is set up.

“There are specific terms in the contract for invoice acceptance and that is what would drive it. But in general, the contracting officer technical representative or contracting officer usually is the one that has to accept an invoice. And legally if the government doesn’t respond within seven days, it’s considered constructive receipt,” he said. “But a lot of times it’s later than that, and a lot of contractors don’t want to get a customer upset over when an invoice is officially accepted.”

Soltis said the issues become more complicated with products where there needs to be someone at a receiving dock or in the agency to accept the package, validate it and match it to the invoice.

In fact, Dell Technologies and its partner Carahsoft said in an email to a vendor supplier, which Federal News Network obtained, that the order placed by the supplier would be on hold until they receive confirmation that the agency customer will be on site to accept the delivery.

Vendors should document all expenses

Solstis said another challenge will be that agencies will face a backlog of invoices when they return to the office.

“Contractors who are holding their invoices could be sabotaging themselves. What people will tell you is to submit it and let the government sit on it. Then you can say you submitted it and the government delayed paying. But if you hold your invoices, then you can’t claim interest,” he said. “When the government reopens, I would have a meeting with all contractors and go through their issues to make sure we are on the same page. It’s a two-step process. First, what invoices need to be paid? Second, how do you get the contractors whole? Which ones need to get paid with interest? That will become a budget issue because you have to figure out where the money comes from, how to move it around and how to prioritize payments.”

The industry executive said they really don’t know when the clock starts for invoices on Sept. 30 or those submitted during the shutdown.

“If no one is there to accept the invoice, does it start when the government comes back?” the executive said. “Our success rate on getting prompt payment penalties is very small. The majority of the time the agency says they accepted invoice on specific date and that is when the clock starts. Sometimes, they will wait until day 28 or 30 and reject the invoice, which starts the clock over again. I feel like DoD takes advantage of rejecting it and forcing us to resubmit it, and then they have more time to accept it and then 30 days to pay it.”

Crusius said this is why it’s imperative for contractors to log their expenses and costs associated with their contracts during the entire shutdown.

“They can file claims when they need to, and with certain contracts there are ongoing expenses even if they have tried to pair them down. A lot of that will be dependent on whether they received a stop work order or had their contract scope reduced or received a termination for convenience,” he said. “Contractors have to be diligent in writing down their costs so they can try to collect them.”

The post Shutdown brings reemergence of prompt payment penalties first appeared on Federal News Network.

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Microsoft’s Windows 11 Build 28000 introduces version 26H1, focused on next-gen ARM chip support and the new Bromine base, with no new features added.

The post Microsoft Tests Windows 11 Version 26H1 appeared first on TechRepublic.

Microsoft’s Windows 11 Build 28000 introduces version 26H1, focused on next-gen ARM chip support and the new Bromine base, with no new features added.

The post Microsoft Tests Windows 11 Version 26H1 appeared first on TechRepublic.

Table of Contents

The Reality Behind Launch Preparation

Lessons from Market Achievers

Building Strength through Custom Solutions

The Steps That Shape Success

Avoiding the Pitfalls That Hold You Back

A Look Toward the Future of Digital Trading

The Reality Behind Launch Preparation

Starting a Crypto Exchange can open doors to new opportunities in the digital economy. However, it requires more than enthusiasm it demands structure, planning, and a clear understanding of how trading systems work. Many entrepreneurs step into the crypto space expecting instant success, only to realize that real growth depends on preparation. A well-planned exchange focuses on user safety, technical reliability, and market compliance.

At the heart of every reliable platform lies custom crypto exchange software, designed to support high-speed transactions, manage liquidity, and ensure security. Custom-built solutions also make it easier to scale as your user base grows. By taking the time to build a strong foundation, you can launch with confidence and avoid common setbacks that slow new exchanges. Proper planning today helps secure your long-term reputation tomorrow.

Lessons from Market Achievers

If you observe leading Crypto Exchange platforms, one lesson stands out: adaptability leads to success. The crypto industry changes rapidly from regulations to user preferences and only those who evolve survive. Top exchanges focus on continuous improvement, listening to user feedback and implementing new features quickly.

By using custom crypto exchange software, businesses gain flexibility to adjust systems without interruptions. This adaptability allows exchanges to add new tokens, improve user experience, and enhance transaction security. Market achievers also invest in transparency and customer support, two pillars that drive trust. These practices not only attract users but also help maintain long-term loyalty. If new exchanges took inspiration from these proven methods, they could shorten the learning curve and achieve sustainable growth much faster.

Building Strength through Custom Solutions

True strength in a Crypto Exchange doesn’t come from following a generic model it comes from creating something unique. This is why custom crypto exchange software plays such a crucial role in building trust and reliability. It allows you to design your platform around your brand’s identity and specific goals. From the trading dashboard to security layers, customization gives you full control over the user journey.

A tailored system also means stronger data protection, smoother transactions, and easy integration of new technologies. Unlike off-the-shelf options, custom-built solutions grow with your business, allowing future updates without disrupting existing operations. When users feel that a platform is fast, transparent, and safe, they naturally choose to stay. Customization helps turn your exchange into more than just a trading space it becomes a dependable digital marketplace built on confidence and innovation.

The Steps That Shape Success

Before you bring your Crypto Exchange to the public, it’s important to follow a few essential steps that can determine your success:

• Understand Your Market: Study competitors and user needs to identify what makes your platform different.
• Follow Regulations: Ensure your exchange complies with international and local laws.
• Plan Liquidity Sources: Collaborate with liquidity providers to guarantee smooth trading experiences.
• Invest in Reliable Technology: Choose custom crypto exchange software that delivers both security and scalability.
• Test Thoroughly: Conduct in-depth testing to identify bugs and improve performance before launch.
• Develop a Marketing Strategy: Build awareness and trust through educational content and clear branding.
• Establish Customer Support: Offer responsive assistance to handle inquiries and build user satisfaction.

Each of these steps lays a strong foundation for your business. Launching isn’t about speed it’s about stability. By handling each stage carefully, you’ll create an exchange that’s ready for growth and long-term success.

Avoiding the Pitfalls That Hold You Back

Many new exchanges struggle because they overlook key aspects of maintenance and growth. A successful Crypto Exchange is not just about creating an attractive interface; it’s about ensuring consistent performance. Common mistakes include neglecting system updates, underestimating security needs, or ignoring liquidity management.

Using custom crypto exchange software helps prevent these issues by offering flexibility to upgrade and maintain stability. Another challenge is user engagement platforms that fail to listen to their communities often lose traders to competitors. Building trust means communicating transparently and improving based on feedback. Additionally, financial planning is crucial. Overestimating profits and ignoring operational costs can put unnecessary strain on your project. Avoiding these pitfalls will keep your exchange reliable and adaptable in a constantly changing market.

A Look Toward the Future of Digital Trading

The future of digital trading is bright for those who innovate with intention. As technology advances, users expect faster, safer, and more personalized experiences. By relying on custom crypto exchange software, developers can meet these expectations through automation, AI-driven analysis, and enhanced transaction security.

In the wider scope of Cryptocurrency Exchange Development, the focus is shifting toward sustainable growth, global compliance, and smarter risk management. Future-ready exchanges will combine transparency with advanced functionality to deliver seamless trading across regions. A well-built Crypto Exchange becomes more than a business it becomes a trusted hub for financial progress.

With the right vision, preparation, and technology, entrepreneurs can turn challenges into opportunities. The truth is, if you knew these insights before starting, you’d approach every stage with greater confidence. Success in this industry doesn’t come from chance it comes from building strong foundations and believing in your ability to adapt and lead in the evolving digital economy.

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The Truth About Crypto Exchange Launches: What You’d Do Differently If You Knew was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

South Korea shines as a global crypto powerhouse, where technology, finance, and innovation collide to create a thriving digital economy. With over 6 million active traders, nearly 12% of the population, crypto isn’t just an investment trend anymore; it’s becoming a mainstream financial movement.

Backed by cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, progressive regulations, and a digitally native population, South Korea has built one of Asia’s most vibrant and trusted crypto exchange ecosystems. From first-time investors exploring Bitcoin to Web3 startups launching next-gen platforms, the nation’s crypto scene is buzzing with growth

Let’s dive into the top crypto exchanges in South Korea for 2026 and discover how they’re fueling the country’s next big leap in digital finance, one innovative trade at a time.

Best Crypto Exchanges in South Korea

The crypto market in South Korea is still vibrant, and exchanges in the country are innovative, safe, and accessible. These platforms can be trustworthy trading experiences with good regulatory support, whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader. Here are the most trusted and popular crypto exchanges in South Korea

• Upbit
• Bithumb
• Coinone
• Korbit
• GOPAX
• Huobi Korea
• Kucoin
• MEXC

Upbit

Upbit leads the South Korean crypto trading market, dominating with the highest trading volume and user base. Fully licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), it’s a benchmark for transparency, trust, and compliance. With a clean interface, KRW markets, and powerful trading tools, Upbit continues to stand tall among the largest crypto exchange platforms in South Korea.

Key Features

• Largest exchange by market share and KRW trading volume
• Certified under ISMS-P and ISO/IEC 27001 for data security
• Offers a wide range of tokens and NFT trading options
• Seamless mobile app and real-time analytics for traders

Best For

• South Korean investors seeking a secure, high-liquidity exchange
• New and pro traders looking for regulated local platforms

Bithumb

Founded in 2014, Bithumb is one of the oldest and most reputable exchanges in South Korea. It has earned investor trust through transparency, stable banking integration, and a proven security framework. Known for its deep liquidity and large trading volumes, Bithumb remains a go-to exchange for serious traders.

Key Features

• High liquidity in leading assets like BTC, ETH, and XRP
• Competitive trading fees and quick KRW settlement
• Insurance-backed protection for user assets
• Real-time trading data and professional charting tools

Best For

• Institutional and high-volume traders need deep liquidity
• Long-term investors prioritize security and reliability

Coinone

Coinone is one of the best crypto exchanges in South Korea due to its high compliance and security-first policy. It has an easy-to-use interface and is easy to integrate with KRW, which makes it suitable with individuals and startups. The transparency of the platform has ensured that the platform is trusted in the long run in the market.

Key Features

• Fully regulated under South Korean AML and KYC guidelines
• Offers diverse crypto pairs, DeFi tokens, and staking options
• Real-time portfolio monitoring and KRW wallet integration
• Clean interface and excellent mobile usability

Best For

• Startups and fintech investors seeking regulated trading platforms
• Security-focused users prefer transparent operations

Korbit

Korbit is the first South Korean crypto exchange, which was launched in 2013, and is a leader in the field of blockchain adoption. It integrates conventional finance ethics and digital innovation. Supported by Nexon Group, Korbit provides users with a secure and regulatory access to digital assets and education-oriented trading platforms.

Key Features

• Korea’s first licensed and regulated exchange
• Offers NFTs, DeFi tokens, and educational resources
• Reliable cold wallet storage and two-factor authentication
• Backed by a strong corporate infrastructure via Nexon Group

Best For

• Beginners entering Korea’s crypto market with education support
• NFT and DeFi enthusiasts exploring innovative asset options

GoPax

GoPax is gaining attention as one of the most promising crypto exchanges in South Korea, emphasizing transparency and accessibility. Recently linked to Binance, it combines global liquidity with local trust. GoPax appeals to retail traders and institutions alike with its modern interface and solid compliance.

Key Features

• Fully compliant with FSC and AML regulations
• Integrated KRW deposits with local bank partnerships
• Offers staking, DeFi, and yield programs
• Backed by Binance for liquidity and scalability

Best For

• Retail traders seeking a simple, modern crypto experience
• Institutions preferring regulated platforms with DeFi options

Huobi Korea

Huobi Korea extends the strength of Huobi Global’s liquidity into South Korea’s regulated market. It caters to professional traders with high-volume features while maintaining Korean-language support and local compliance.

Key Features

• Access to Huobi Global’s deep liquidity pools
• Institutional-grade trading tools and margin features
• Multi-layered security and KYC compliance
• 24/7 Korean-language customer support

Best For

• Professional traders seeking advanced tools and liquidity
• Enterprises operating in both local and global markets

KuCoin

While globally headquartered, KuCoin has built a significant user base in South Korea. Its intuitive design, vast token listings, and competitive fees make it one of the most popular global exchanges used by Korean traders.

Key Features

• 700+ listed cryptocurrencies and altcoins
• Low trading fees and a smooth user interface
• Supports futures, margin, and P2P trading
• Staking and yield programs for passive income

Best For

• Altcoin enthusiasts seeking diverse investment opportunities
• Global investors connecting with Korea’s trading community

MEXC

MEXC is rapidly becoming a favorite in the South Korean trading market, offering fast order execution and extensive altcoin access. Its strong performance and easy navigation make it appealing to both day traders and professionals.

Key Features

• High-speed trading engine and low fees
• Wide range of altcoins and derivative instruments
• User-friendly mobile and desktop platforms
• Integration with Korean fiat gateways

Best For

• Day traders need fast execution and flexibility
• Altcoin investors seeking new market opportunities

Why Launch Your Crypto Exchange In South Korea?

Starting a crypto exchange in South Korea is a strategic move for entrepreneurs looking to tap into one of the most advanced and active digital economies in the world.

1. High Crypto Adoption

Millions of South Koreans trade cryptocurrencies daily, contributing to one of the world’s most active retail trading environments. This consistent engagement ensures deep liquidity and reliable trading volumes across local exchanges.

2. Tech-Savvy Population

South Koreans are early adopters of technology, from mobile payments to online gaming. The phenomenon of crypto trading has been integrated into the daily life of financial activity due to the high penetration of smartphones and the level of digital literacy

3. Stable Regulations

Cryptocurrency exchanges are enforced with strict compliance standards by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). The entrance to the market is not easy, but the people who achieve these criteria receive high credibility and user trust.

4. Strong Digital Infrastructure

South Korea has one of the most stable and fastest internet networks in the world, which facilitates smooth crypto trading practices. This system enables both the retail traders and the institutional traders to conduct high-speed and secure transactions

5. Growing Blockchain & Startup Ecosystem

The Korean startup scene is booming, from NFTs to DeFi projects. Most of these projects are based on local exchange launches of tokens, fundraising, and community development, which continue to enlarge the digital finance ecosystem in the country.

Key Factors Driving Crypto Exchange Growth in South Korea

1. Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

Exchanges have to be registered by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and meet the regulations of the KYC/AML. Complete regulation will create investor confidence and leverage, which will provide a long-term stability of operation in the Korean market.

2. Banking Partnerships & KRW Integration

To support KRW trading pairs, exchanges need real-name banking partnerships. Secure fiat gateways with major banks like Shinhan and NongHyup enhance credibility and enable smooth deposits and withdrawals.

3. Data Security & Compliance Standards

Korea has stringent cybersecurity regulations under PIPA. Transactions should be certified in ISMS or ISO/IEC 27001 and protect user information, wallets, and the transparency of transactions.

4. Market Competition & User Trust

New exchanges need to be innovative since Upbit and Bithumb are the leading ones. Better UI, reduced fees, or other incentives such as access to DeFi can be used to attract traders and create loyalty.

5. Cultural & Market Adaptation

The Korean users are concerned with speed and mobile accessibility, and support of their native language. Delivering a seamless trading experience, a well-developed community, and culturally balanced marketing will assist the exchanges in gaining trust and relationships over the long-term use of the product in this highly dynamic market environment.

To Conclude

South Korea has become a major hub for digital assets, blending innovation, regulation, and high trading activity. For entrepreneurs, launching a crypto exchange here means huge growth potential. With strong regulations, advanced technology, and an active user base, the market is ready for new entrants. A secure, compliant, and localized exchange can help tap into Korea’s thriving digital economy. Partnering with a reliable cryptocurrency exchange development company makes it easier to build or upgrade your platform while staying compliant, helping you stand out in South Korea’s fast-growing and competitive crypto landscape.

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Top Cryptocurrency Exchanges in South Korea for 2026 was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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