đ„Hot off the press! đ°Cybersecurity firm SlowMist's investigative branch, MisTrack, has identified private key leaks as the top cause of crypto thefts in Q2 2024. đ”ïžââïž
Users have been found storing their private keys or mnemonic phrases in cloud storage services like Google Docs, Tencent Docs, Baidu Cloud, and Shimo Docs. đïž Some even shared these sensitive details with friends via WeChat or stored them on local hard drives. đ€Šââïž
While these actions may seem like a good idea for information security, they actually increase the risk of information theft. đ± SlowMist found that cyber criminals often use "credential stuffing" techniques, accessing accounts with leaked login info from online sources. Once in, they can easily locate and extract crypto-related data. đ»
Fake wallets were another major cause of private key leaks. đłïž Phishing schemes were the second-highest cause of theft. Victims were tricked by fraudsters pretending to be customer support reps or fell for deceptive phishing links on platforms like Discord. đŁ
SlowMist also noted a rise in theft incidents from users clicking on malicious link comments under tweets from popular projects. đŠ
Q2 also saw a surge in honeypot schemes, particularly on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC). These are digital currencies that seem promising but are designed to be unsellable after purchase. đŻ
Stay safe out there, BTC enthusiasts! Remember, your private key is like your toothbrush - don't share it and change it often! đđ