Crypto Scammers Exploit OpenAI’s Press Account on X: Fake Token Scheme Uncovered
OpenAI’s official press account on X was hacked by crypto scammers who promoted a fake digital asset, $OPENAI, leading users to a fraudulent website. This breach highlights the vulnerability of even well-established tech organizations to cyberattacks. The incident follows similar breach es involving other OpenAI figures, raising concerns over the growing threats in the digital space.
In a concerning cybersecurity breach, the official OpenAI press account on X (formerly known as Twitter) fell victim to cryptocurrency scammers. The account, labeled as OpenAI Newsroom, was hacked, and fraudulent information about a fake digital asset, “$OPENAI,” was posted. This incident, which occurred on Monday, underscores the growing vulnerability of even high-profile organizations to cyberattacks.
Fake Token Announcement Sparks Worry
The hijackers posted a message introducing the counterfeit cryptocurrency, claiming, “We’re thrilled to introduce $OPEANAI: bridging the gap between AI and blockchain technology.” The post further misled readers by suggesting that OpenAI members had an opportunity to own a piece of the fake token, linking it to supposed upcoming beta programs.
The link embedded in the post directed unsuspecting users to a fraudulent website that closely resembled OpenAI’s official site, but it had a slightly altered URL: “token-openai.com.” This fake site urged users to connect their cryptocurrency accounts, a clear attempt to steal personal and financial information.
Comments Disabled to Conceal the Fraud
To make the scam less noticeable, the hackers disabled the ability to leave comments on the post. This move may have initially delayed users from recognizing the scam. Following the original post, a reply from the compromised account hinted that more details about the false token would be shared soon, furthering the deception.
Thankfully, the fraudulent post has since been removed, but the breach is a reminder of how quickly malicious actors can exploit even trusted accounts. This incident is yet another example of the increasing threat of cybercrime in the digital space.
Not the First Targeting of OpenAI
This is not the first time that OpenAI accounts have been targeted by scammers. In June 2023, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, had her X account compromised in a similar fashion. Scammers used her account to promote the same fake token, $OPEANAI, attempting to lure users into providing sensitive information. Other prominent OpenAI figures, including Chief Scientist Jakub Pachocki and researcher Jason Wei, have also experienced account breaches in recent months.
The persistence of these attacks shows that even leading tech companies are not immune to online threats. As OpenAI continues to grow in prominence, so too does its appeal to cybercriminals seeking to exploit its credibility.
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