Hackers Seize CoinGecko X Account, Promotes Fake Token Sale
In the latest high-profile X breach targeting the crypto sector, data tracking platform CoinGecko saw its primary social media account compromised this week. The hackers took control and broadcast fraudulent token sale announcements.
The incident marks the second X crypto compromise in days as social engineering risks heighten across Web3 amid the swollen ranks of new adopters.
Key Details:
- Hackers tweet a fake $GCKO token sale from the CoinGecko handle.
- Phishing tweets were deleted, and X account control was regained.
- Follows a fake ETF approval tweet from a hacked SEC X account.
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Specifically, an unauthorized tweet surfaced promoting purchase availability for a fictitious $GCKO token, falsely claiming CoinGecko integration with blockchain infrastructure firm Ankr.
CoinGecko regains control of its X account
Fortunately, the phishing post was rapidly removed once CoinGecko regained account control and acknowledged investigating the security failure. However, risks linger given the surging incidence of similar social media cons perpetrated through hacked reputable feeds.
“We’re taking immediate steps to investigate the situation and secure our accounts. Please DO NOT click on any links or engage with suspicious content. Your security is our top priority,” CoinGecko mentioned in its tweet.
Read more: Tether Co-Founder Warns Of Bitcoin ETF Challenges
CoinGecko’s incident closely shadows hackers posting fraudulent Bitcoin ETF approvals from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s X account yesterday.
As cryptocurrency becomes more widely used by the general public, the accounts linked to it become prime targets for scammers. This allows them to easily reach large numbers of unsuspecting newcomers.
