SlowMist, a blockchain security firm, has issued a warning about a significant increase in phishing activities within the TON ecosystem. This alert, shared by SlowMist’s founder Yu Xian (also known as Mr. Cos), highlights a surge in deceptive practices targeting users of the Open Network (TON), which hosts a wide range of decentralized applications. The phishing attacks have intensified since Binance’s integration of TON for USDT transfers on June 21, amplifying the ecosystem’s exposure to such threats.
Phishers are exploiting the TON ecosystem’s open nature, utilizing the Telegram platform to distribute malicious links and bot forms. The attacks predominantly target users who rely on anonymous Telegram numbers, which are often used to create accounts unlinked to traditional phone numbers. This anonymity allows attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise users’ assets stored in TON wallets.
Mr. Cos emphasized that if these anonymous numbers are phished, users could lose access to their Telegram accounts unless they have enabled additional security measures such as Two-Step Verification. The phishing methods employed remain consistent, and users are advised to remain vigilant against these scams to protect their assets.
This warning from SlowMist comes amid broader concerns about phishing in the crypto industry, which saw significant losses in previous months. For instance, Scam Sniffer reported that $42 million in crypto assets were stolen from approximately 32,000 victims through phishing scams in May. Recently, a user lost $11 million due to signing fraudulent permit signatures, underscoring the ongoing threat and the importance of robust security practices.
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