Hackers took control of verified Twitter accounts to spread fake links to the ApeCoin Airdrop. The attack led to the theft of NFTs belonging to collections such as Bored Ape, Mutant Ape, and Bored Ape Kennel Club.
Data revealed by the Blockchain analysis company, Elliptic, exposed that, during the last week, at least 35 NFTs belonging to highly reputable collections got extracted after a medium-scale phishing attack (data theft) in which many accounts got hacked from Twitter.
The report revealed by Elliptic details that the people behind the attack in question managed to extract an estimated amount valued at USD 900,000 in NFT, highlighting that at least five of the stolen items belonged to collections such as Bored Ape, Mutant Ape, and Bored Ape. Kennel Club.
The Strategy Behind the Robbery
The attack in question happened within the launch of the ApeCoin tokens, organized by the company Bored Ape Yacht Club, which distributed part of the coins through an Airdrop. Here the attackers found a breach to compromise some verified associated and related Twitter accounts, through which they spread false links that guided to a clone site of the release of the digital asset.
Those who clicked on the fake links offered private data, got malware installed, and gave the criminals total access to personal wallets. Victims highlighted that their NFTs got stolen, and according to Elliptic, even high-profile personalities got damaged by these actions.
How to Be Careful and Protect the Items
Although this action might cause a significant impact on the crypto environment, the truth is that the method these criminals use is part of a prevalent type of scam usually applied through social networks. This scam uses topics and interest campaigns linked to the digital currency sector to attract unsuspecting people.
The curious aspect was that the criminals managed to invade those verified accounts on Twitter that echoed these fraudulent links. The social network representatives have not offered details on how the activity could be possible.
On the other hand, those who trade with NFTs should be aware of this case and be cautious since these assets have gained importance in recent months. They have become a goal for attackers and deceivers. For example, there is what happened with the OpenSea platform; hackers took advantage of an exploit to enter some users’ accounts and take control of their digital collectibles, selling them at a price well below their estimated value.
By: Jenson Nuñez
