MetaMask is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets, used by millions to store, send, and receive digital assets. However, it has also become a target for hackers due to its widespread use. Protecting your MetaMask wallet is critical to keeping your crypto secure. Below, we’ll break down the most common ways hackers can steal funds from MetaMask and how you can protect yourself.
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common methods hackers use to steal crypto from MetaMask users. In these attacks, hackers create fake websites or send emails that look like official MetaMask communications. When users enter their seed phrase or private keys on these fraudulent sites, hackers capture the information and can instantly access the user's funds.
How to Protect Yourself:
Never share your seed phrase or private keys. Legitimate services will never ask for these.Always double-check the website URL when accessing MetaMask or any crypto service.Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages claiming to be MetaMask.
2. Malware and Keyloggers
Malware and keyloggers are software programs that can secretly track your activity and capture sensitive information, such as your seed phrase or private keys. Once installed on your device, a hacker can monitor your MetaMask interactions and gain access to your wallet.
How to Protect Yourself:
Install a reputable antivirus program and ensure your system is regularly scanned for malware.Use a VPN to keep your internet connection secure.Avoid downloading unknown software or files from untrusted websites.
3. Fake MetaMask Browser Extensions
Hackers often create fake MetaMask browser extensions designed to look exactly like the real thing. If you install one of these, it can steal your login credentials or seed phrase and give hackers full access to your wallet.
How to Protect Yourself:
Download extensions only from official sources. Always verify that the MetaMask extension comes from the official MetaMask website or trusted platforms like Chrome's official store.Check reviews and ratings before installing any browser extension.
4. Unauthorized Approvals of Smart Contracts
Hackers exploit MetaMask users by tricking them into unknowingly granting approvals to malicious smart contracts. These contracts can withdraw funds from your wallet without your permission.
How to Protect Yourself:
Read contract approvals carefully before interacting with dApps (decentralized applications). Don’t blindly approve every request.Revoke permissions for smart contracts you no longer use by visiting sites that help you manage your approvals (e.g., revoke.cash).
5. Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks involve tricking you into voluntarily handing over your wallet details. Hackers may impersonate support staff, ask for your seed phrase, or offer fake assistance via social media or forums.
How to Protect Yourself:
Do not share sensitive information on social media or messaging platforms.Be wary of anyone offering unsolicited help, even if they claim to be from MetaMask or another trusted platform.
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#MetaMask #CryptoSecurity #Phishing #DeFi #Blockchain

Zero transfer scams are becoming prominent in the crypto ecosystem, with over $40 million stolen in 2023.

A scammer using zero transfer phishing attack managed to steal $20 million worth of Tether USDT on Aug. 1 before getting blacklisted by the stablecoin’s issuer Tether.

According to an update from on-chain analytic firm PeckShield, A zero transfer scammer grabbed 20 million USDT from the victim address 0x4071...9Cbc. The intended address that the victim planned to send money to was 0xa7B4BAC8f0f9692e56750aEFB5f6cB5516E90570; however, it was sent to a phishing address instead: 0xa7Bf48749D2E4aA29e3209879956b9bAa9E90570.

The zero transfer phishing scam. Source: Etherscan

The victim’s wallet address first received $10 million from a Binance account. The victim then sent it to another address before the scammer jumped in. The scammer then sent a fake Zero USDT token transfer from the victim’s account to the phishing address. A few hours later, the victim sent 20 million USDT to the scammer, thinking they were transferring it to their desired address.

The wallet was immediately frozen by USDT issuer Tether, which raised eyebrows at the speedy nature of the action.

Users generally check the first or last five digits of a wallet address, not the whole address, leading them to send the assets to a phishing address. The victim is tricked into sending a transaction for zero tokens from their wallet to an address that resembles one to which they have already sent tokens before.

For instance, if the victim sent 100 coins to an address for an exchange deposit, the attacker might send 0 coins from the victim’s wallet to an address that appears similar but is controlled by the attacker. Upon viewing this transaction in their transaction history, the victim might assume that the address displayed is the proper deposit address and send their coins to the phishing address.

Zero transfer phishing scams have become quite prominent in the crypto ecosystem over the past year, with multiple instances coming to light. One of the first instances of a zero transfer scam occurred in December 2022, with over $40 million in losses to such attacks since.

#blockchain

#Cryptocurrencies

#Phishing

#Ethereum

#Scams