Ethereum Creator Vitalik Buterin Reveals SIM-Swap Attack on X Account
Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum (ETH), has disclosed that hackers used a SIM-swap scam to gain control of his account on the social media platform X and carry out theft. Buterin shared the details of the incident in a post on the decentralized social network Farcaster, stating that the attackers took over his T-Mobile phone number.
SIM swapping is a method employed by scammers to manipulate mobile phone carriers into activating the target’s phone number on their own SIM card. Once successful, they try to intercept two-factor authentication codes (2FA) for the victim’s accounts.
After gaining access to Buterin’s X (formerly Twitter) account, the fraudsters promoted a non-fungible token (NFT) scam and managed to steal $691,000. Buterin emphasized that a phone number alone can be used to reset a Twitter account password, even if it is not used for 2FA. He expressed his surprise at this vulnerability and mentioned that he was unaware when he added his phone number, speculating that it may have been required for signing up for Twitter Blue.
Farcaster Provides Enhanced Security
Buterin also highlighted his satisfaction with using Farcaster as it allows him to control account recovery through an Ethereum address. Farcaster co-founder Dan Romero welcomed Buterin to the platform last year.
Hot Take: SIM-Swap Attacks Pose Serious Threats to Personal Accounts
The recent SIM-swap attack on Vitalik Buterin’s X account serves as a reminder of the significant risks associated with these scams. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in mobile phone carrier systems to gain control of personal accounts and carry out fraudulent activities. This incident underscores the importance of implementing strong security measures, such as using unique and complex passwords, enabling two-factor authentication through trusted methods, and regularly monitoring account activity. As technology advances, it is crucial to stay vigilant and adopt robust security practices to protect your digital assets.
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