Rocket Pool X Users Alerted to Fake Hack by Hijacked Account

The Rocket Pool X account, linked to the fifth-largest Ethereum DApp, was hijacked by unknown perpetrators on January 17. The attackers disseminated false alerts about a breach in the platform’s smart contracts, misleading users and creating unwarranted panic.

Misleading Messages Spur User Confusion

The incident unfolded over several hours, and the Rocket Pool X account issued several alarming statements. At 6:30 pm UTC, messages warned users of an apparent vulnerability being exploited by bad actors. Users were urged to transfer their assets to a new contract for safety. The deceptive posts were intermittently removed and reappeared, adding to the chaos.

Rocket Pool’s Official Responses and Countermeasures

Simultaneously, Rocket Pool reacted swiftly, issuing clarifications on alternative social media channels. They confirmed that the messages on their X account were the work of hackers and advised users against following the instructions in those posts. The wider X community, including other social media users and platforms, played a critical role in rapidly spreading Rocket Pool’s counter-messages to prevent further confusion.

Adding to the digital security chaos, the SEC’s Twitter (X) account was also hijacked. An unauthorized post prematurely announced the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applicants, causing a temporary surge and subsequent fall in Bitcoin prices. This incident, attributed to the control of the SEC’s associated phone number by an unidentified individual, highlighted the absence of two-factor authentication on the account at the time of the hack.

Vitalik Buterin’s Account Targeted

Similarly, the official Twitter account of Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin was compromised. Hackers posted a phishing link under the guise of a celebratory message about Ethereum’s “Proto-Danksharding.” Fortunately, the account was swiftly recovered, mitigating potential damages from the phishing attempt.

These consecutive security breaches across notable crypto and financial accounts raise concerns about online safety and misinformation in the crypto space. While these accounts were quickly reclaimed and corrected, the temporary confusion underscores the vulnerability of even high-profile accounts to digital threats. Consequently, users are urged to stay vigilant, verify information from multiple sources, and exercise caution, 

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