In the past week, a series of a dozen significant security breaches unfolded, culminating in crypto losses tallying approximately $6.4 million.
According to CertiK, a web3 security firm, the financial setbacks can be attributed to breaches and phishing maneuvers. These incidents took place via Discord and the platform formerly known as Twitter, (now referred to as X).
Recently, the landscape of social media has been inundated by fraudulent airdrop messages disseminated by malicious actors. Additionally, numerous reports have emerged from users indicating that prominent Discord channels and automated bots have fallen victim to recent cyber intrusions.
These intrusions inundate their members with seemingly benevolent token airdrop notifications. However, beneath the façade of generosity lies the sinister trap of phishing links. These links direct unsuspecting users to nefarious domains, promptly siphoning their cryptocurrency holdings.
These airdrop scams have garnered significant traction. Some malicious entities even resort to the employment of deepfakes and AI-generated videos to heighten their deceitful allure.
Phishing Scams Targeting Cryptocurrency Users Surge on Discord and Twitter Platforms
Moreover, in the preceding week, TikTok experienced an influx of counterfeit ‘Elon Musk’ Bitcoin giveaways. Perpetrators orchestrated an elaborate hoax featuring a deepfake video of Mr. Musk purportedly participating in an interview with Fox News.
In the video, he ostensibly pledged to distribute Bitcoin. However, akin to the majority of airdrop and giveaway ruses, these schemes were, in reality, cleverly camouflaged phishing ploys. They diverted unsuspecting victims to deceptive websites.
CertiK’s findings have also brought to light the escalating prevalence of phishing campaigns throughout this year. Their data illustrates that the monthly financial toll incurred by victims of phishing attacks reached a staggering 136.8 million by August, constituting a twofold increase compared to the figures recorded in 2022.
A substantial proportion of these phishing endeavors target individuals engaged in cryptocurrency transactions. This underscores the paramount importance of users exercising enhanced vigilance when safeguarding their digital assets.
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