Published on september 29, 2024, 12:29 am
Image source: Fox News
```json [ "TLDR: In August 2024, over 9,000 users were victims of crypto phishing attacks resulting in $66 million in losses. Notable incidents include a wallet losing $32 million in spWETH, $26 million distribution to various wallets, and suspicions that founder Shixing Mao's wallet was compromised. The rise in phishing attacks by 215% raised concerns, with a new Angel Drainer malware variant targeting newer blockchain networks like TON and TRX. Additionally, deceptive Etherscan sites on DuckDuckGo aimed to deceive users. Heightened cybersecurity measures are crucial to protect against these threats." ] ```
Crypto security firm Scam Sniffer reported that a significant number of users, around 9,145, fell victim to phishing attacks in August 2024, resulting in financial losses. One wallet targeted in September lost a substantial amount totaling $32 million in Spark Wrapped Ethereum tokens (spWETH). CertiK highlighted a case where an impressive $26 million worth of spWETH was sent to a particular wallet and then distributed among several others.
Interestingly, data from Arkham Intelligence hinted at the possibility that the compromised wallet belonged to Shixing Mao, the founder of F2Pool; however, this claim remains unverified. In light of these events, it is crucial for cryptocurrency holders to remain vigilant against such sophisticated cyber threats.
Moreover, the rise in crypto phishing attacks during August 2024 by 215% sounded alarms across the industry. Scam Sniffer’s report detailed total losses surpassing $66 million due to phishing attacks within that month alone. Notably, one victim suffered a staggering loss of $55 million in a single attack targeting proxy ownership.
In another concerning development, Blockaid revealed the introduction of AngelX — an upgraded version of the notorious Angel Drainer malware targeted at cryptocurrency users. The enhanced phishing software swiftly launched over 300 malicious decentralized applications (DApps) within a short span. Of particular concern was the new version’s focus on “newer” blockchain networks like The Open Network (TON) and Tron (TRX), indicating a shift towards targeting evolving technologies.
Furthermore, a report disclosed by Scam Sniffer unveiled how fraudulent Etherscan sites were displayed on search engine DuckDuckGo in early September. These deceptive links aimed to trick users into connecting their MetaMask wallets, granting hackers unauthorized access once linked.
In conclusion, these recent incidents underscore the critical need for heightened cybersecurity measures within the cryptocurrency space to safeguard users against malicious actors seeking illicit gains through phishing tactics and fraudulent schemes.
Original article posted by Fox News
