OpenAI's Press Account Hacked: Cryptocurrency Scammers Strike Again
In a concerning development for OpenAI, the company's official press account on the X platform was hacked early Tuesday morning by rogue hackers, believed to be linked to previous cryptocurrency scams targeting the organization. The OpenAI Newsroom account, which boasts over 54,000 followers, made a fraudulent announcement about a non-existent blockchain token called $OpenAI, claiming it would serve as a bridge between artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. The post, quickly deleted, stated that all OpenAI users were eligible for a portion of an initial coin offering (ICO) for this token.
The post read, “We are very excited to announce the OpenAI token, the bridge between AI and blockchain. Owning the token will grant access to all of our future pilots.” However, the reality is that there is no official $OpenAI token, and the post was linked to a phishing site designed to closely resemble the legitimate OpenAI website. This fraudulent site features a prominent “Request $OpenAI” button, which entices unsuspecting users to connect their cryptocurrency wallets, thereby risking the theft of their login credentials and digital assets.
Phishing Scams Targeting OpenAI
This incident is not an isolated case; it marks the latest in a series of phishing attacks aimed at OpenAI and its executives. In June 2023, the account of Mira Murat, OpenAI’s chief technology officer, was similarly compromised, promoting the fake $OpenAI token. Just three months ago, the accounts of the company's chief scientist Jakub Paszk and researcher Jason Wei were also hacked, with scammers using their profiles to disseminate similar fraudulent messages.
The tactics employed by these hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Reports indicate that the scammers utilized a tool known as Crypto Drainer, which enabled them to siphon off all NFTs and tokens from victims' wallets once they logged into the counterfeit OpenAI-like website. This alarming trend highlights the need for heightened awareness and vigilance among users to protect themselves from such scams.
Staying Safe in the Digital Age
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the methods employed by cybercriminals. It is crucial for individuals to remain cautious and skeptical of any unsolicited offers related to cryptocurrency, especially those that appear to come from reputable organizations like OpenAI. Users are advised to verify the authenticity of any announcements through official channels and to be wary of links that may lead to phishing sites. By staying informed and vigilant, users can better protect themselves against the growing threat of online scams.
