Dozens of hacks have targeted crypto projects. Learn how to stay safe on Discord and prevent crypto scams. Find out more.
Key Points:
Discord crypto scams have often led to millions of dollars being stolen.
There are plenty of security measures that can be implemented to protect a crypto Discord server from hackers.
Even if you are just a member of a Discord server, it's important to know how to stay safe; otherwise, your crypto wallet could end up getting drained.
Discord is a central part of any successful crypto project. People are willing to spend massive sums of $ETH for NFTs partly because it gets them access to exclusive Discord servers. Although using Discord is great for having degen chats about the latest meme coin, it's also a point of vulnerability. Even blue-chip NFT projects like the Bored Ape Yacht Club Discord aren’t safe from a well-planned Discord crypto scam. This post will help you keep yourself and your crypto project safe from scams on Discord.
How Common Are Discord Scams in Crypto?
The short answer is very. Hackers are well aware that almost all crypto projects use Discord, and as anyone can become a member of these groups, it's an ideal place for them to collect sensitive information and launch attacks. According to a Tweet from ZachXBT, in the last year alone, over 80 high-profile Discrod crypto scams have been executed.
Some of the most notable Discord scams highlighted by ZachXBT include Worldcoin ($WLD) and Umbrella Network ($UMB). Worldcoin is a particularly chilling example as this project has millions of dollars in funding, and its founder is the creator of ChatGPT, arguably the most widely used large language model in the world.
How Can the Crypto Project Avoid Discord Hacks?
Whether you’re planning on creating your own crypto Discord server or you regularly use the social media platform, it's important to understand how you can prevent hacks. Remember that no one is immune to crypto Discord scams; even YugaLabs, the team behind CryptoPunks and BAYC, fell victim to a scam and ended up losing over $ETH 200.
These tips could end up saving you and your project from a devastating Discord crypto scam.
Authentication Measures
Consider using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in your Discord server. If you haven't used 2FA before, it's a straightforward security measure that requires you to submit two forms of authentication before accessing an account, which massively reduces the chances of being hacked.
Cold Accounts
Cold accounts refer to Discord accounts used exclusively for administrative tasks within a crypto Discord server. They rarely, if ever, interact directly with users, and it's important to have the highest level of security when it comes to these accounts. They must use 2FA, and passwords should be updated regularly.
ZachXBT has been vocal about the importance of using Cold Accounts. Source: Twitter
Meticulous Bot Integration Reviews
Bots play an important role in Discord. Realistically, the platform wouldn’t be such a success without the automated services that Discord bots. However, they also represent a potential security threat. Conduct a code review before integrating a third party to ensure it doesn’t contain any vulnerabilities.
Discord bots are great but they can also be used by scammers.
Clear Hierarchy
Create a clear hierarchy within your Discord server with segmented roles for different team members, community contributors, and content moderators. This compartmentalises access to sensitive information, and it also tells the community about the roles of more senior figures in Discord, making it more likely that someone will flag suspicious questions. Regular role reviews should ensure that people with more senior positions are doing their jobs correctly and aren’t attempting to gain access to sensitive information.
Education
It might seem obvious, but the best way to be safe on Discord and to improve the overall security of a server is through education. If members are taught about best practices, they’re far less likely to fall victim to scams. Members of the team with important roles should also be up-to-date with security measures, especially how phishing scams are used to gain access to accounts and then harvest sensitive user information inside servers.
Community Reporting
Make it as easy as possible for members of the community to report sensitive behaviour. Generally, crypto Discord servers foster a sense of teamwork, so people are keen to protect the project they’ve personally invested in by reporting nefarious behaviour. Consider creating a separate channel where users can report potential scams.
What to Do if Your Crypto Project Is Hacked?
Unfortunately, even if you follow all the steps above, there’s a possibility that your Discord server will fall victim to a scammer. There are several things you can do to limit the damage, especially if you act quickly.
Identify the Source of the Scam
If you’ve implemented the correct security measures and your community is educated, it will be easier to identify the source of the hack. Determine how the hacker gained access to the accounts, change all the credentials, and update 2AF. It might also be useful to temporarily restrict permissions in the server to limit how much a hacker can access.
Gather Evidence
Start gathering evidence about the hack from day one and store the data in a secure format, as it may be needed for future legal actions. Reporting the scam to Discord at the same time is also highly recommended.
Security Audit
Once the Discord crypto scam has been brought under control, its time to review your security systems and carry out a full audit beyond just the vulnerability that the scammer exploited.
Conclusion
Crypto scammers attack Discord servers because they’re often poorly managed and littered with exploitable vulnerabilities. The best way to defend against scams is by following rigorous authentication measures, educating the team and community, compartmentalising access, and responding quickly to reports of suspicious behaviour.
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