Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Falls Victim to $691,000 Cyber Heist
Vitalik Buterin lost his X (formerly Twitter) account to unknown threat actors. The hackers’ intent were unknown at the time of the incident.
The Ethereum founder fell victim to malicious hackers who managed to pilfer an astonishing $691,000 in digital assets. What’s even more astonishing is that a whopping 73% of the stolen loot consisted of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), one of the most prized possessions of the crypto world.
The attackers orchestrated their scheme through a cunning phishing link posted on a social media platform, most likely Twitter. The link served as their gateway to gain unauthorized access to numerous crypto wallets, leaving a trail of financial devastation in their wake.
The viral tweet containing the perilous link has since been removed, but the damage was done. The big question on stakeholders’ minds is: How did this happen?
Was Vitalik Buterin a Target of “SIM swap” Attack?
This nefarious tactic involves seizing control of a person’s phone number to undermine two-factor authentication on websites, particularly cryptocurrency exchanges and social media platforms. It’s a bold move, given the potential consequences.
However, the exact nature of the attack remains shrouded in mystery. ZachXBT, a blockchain analyst, refrained from speculating on whether Buterin fell victim to a SIM swap. Instead, he suggested a chilling possibility that someone on the inside could have been compromised, serving as an accomplice in this digital heist.
Buterin’s staggering 4.9 million followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) make him a colossal target in the crypto world. With such a vast following, he’s akin to a digital titan, and that attracts attention – both good and bad.
This serves as potential evidence of the ever-present dangers lurking in the cyberspace, especially for prominent figures in the cryptocurrency landscape. Additionally, the incident reinforces the notion that no one is entirely immune to the reach of cybercriminals, not even the co-founder of Ethereum himself.
