In a troubling cyberattack, Sam Altman’s official OpenAI X (formerly Twitter) account was compromised on Monday, as hackers sought to lure unsuspecting users into a cryptocurrency scam. The attackers impersonated OpenAI and promoted a fake token called $OPENAI, urging followers to click a phishing link that mimicked an official OpenAI site.
Fake Token And Phishing Scam Target Users
The fraudulent message, which appeared on OpenAI’s @OpenAINewsroom account at around 6:24 PM ET, falsely claimed that the $OPENAI token was being distributed to provide early access to upcoming beta versions of OpenAI’s software. The message encouraged users to visit a malicious website designed to collect credentials for crypto wallets. Once on the site, users were presented with a button labeled “CLAIM $OPENAI,” which aimed to trick them into connecting their cryptocurrency accounts, potentially exposing their digital assets and personal information.
The scam was riddled with red flags. The attackers misspelled the token’s name as $OPEANAI, and the website lacked essential security features. However, the post remained live for almost an hour, putting OpenAI’s extensive follower base at risk.
A Growing Trend of Cyberattacks on OpenAI
This attack marks the latest in a series of similar breaches targeting OpenAI-affiliated accounts. In recent months, prominent OpenAI employees have faced hacks that resulted in cryptocurrency fraud attempts. For example, Jakub Pachocki, Chief Scientist at OpenAI, and researcher Jason Wei both had their accounts hijacked to promote similar scams. These incidents highlight an alarming trend in cybercriminals targeting high-profile figures in the AI and tech space.
Back in June 2023, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, fell victim to a similar phishing scam. Her account was used to promote a fake cryptocurrency giveaway, demonstrating how even the company’s top brass has been caught in the crosshairs of digital criminals.
How These Scams Work
Phishing scams like this are designed to exploit user trust and curiosity. By impersonating reputable companies or individuals, attackers trick users into believing they are participating in legitimate offers. Once users input their credentials or connect their cryptocurrency wallets to these fake websites, attackers gain access to their accounts, allowing them to drain funds or steal sensitive personal data.
Such schemes are a growing threat to the cryptocurrency community, as digital currencies become more mainstream. As this scam illustrates, even tech leaders like Sam Altman are not immune to these increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Following the breach, OpenAI quickly removed the fraudulent post, but the damage could have already been done to those who interacted with the link during the critical window it was active. As cryptocurrency scams continue to proliferate across social media platforms, users must remain vigilant, especially when interacting with accounts of public figures.
To avoid falling victim to similar attacks, experts recommend verifying all sources, double-checking URLs for phishing attempts, and never connecting crypto wallets to unverified sites. With the rising number of cyberattacks in the tech industry, staying informed and cautious has never been more critical.
As OpenAI works to strengthen its cybersecurity measures, the hacking of Sam Altman’s X account serves as a stark reminder that even the most well-protected individuals are at risk in the digital age.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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