Binance English X Account Hacked, Phishing Links Shared
The official English X (formerly Twitter) account for Binance’s BNB Chain was hacked on Wednesday, October 1, and briefly used to circulate fraudulent “airdrop” links. According to multiple crypto news outlets and community alerts, the compromised account promoted phishing schemes aimed at stealing funds from unsuspecting users. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by major players in the cryptocurrency industry and raises broader questions about platform vulnerabilities.
Community members reported that the hacked account was sharing malicious WalletConnect-style prompts, encouraging users to connect their wallets under the pretense of receiving rewards. Security experts warn that such links are designed to trick users into authorizing transactions that can drain their funds. The rapid spread of these fraudulent messages highlighted the risks associated with compromised official channels, especially in a sector where credibility is often leveraged by attackers.
Warnings from leadership
Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, was quick to address the situation. In a post on his own verified account, Zhao cautioned users not to click on any links coming from the hacked BNB Chain English X handle. He confirmed that the messages contained phishing material and urged the community to disregard them until the account was secured. Binance community channels on Binance Square also issued alerts, reinforcing the call for heightened caution.
While Binance has yet to release a formal press statement, the company’s swift response through its leadership and community channels helped spread awareness. Security experts note that timely warnings often play a crucial role in limiting the impact of such breaches. Zhao’s message emphasized the importance of verifying information only through trusted and official sources, particularly when it comes to wallet connections and token claims.
Impact and ongoing investigation
As of Wednesday evening, no confirmed reports of financial losses directly linked to the phishing attempt had emerged. Analysts believe that the quick communication from Zhao and Binance-affiliated platforms may have helped prevent widespread damage. However, investigations into the extent of the hack are still ongoing, and it remains unclear how attackers gained control of the account.
The incident highlights a broader trend of social media compromises targeting high-profile crypto organizations. Hackers often use official accounts to distribute scams, relying on the trust that users place in these platforms. This pattern has been seen before across the industry, with similar compromises leading to significant losses for retail investors.
Experts stress that users should adopt a cautious approach when engaging with social media content related to cryptocurrency. Best practices include avoiding unsolicited links, verifying announcements directly through exchange websites, and ensuring wallet security settings are in place. Given the frequency of such attacks, the need for multi-layered defenses—including stronger account protection measures—has become increasingly evident.
The compromise of Binance’s English X account adds to the growing list of digital asset platforms targeted by hackers in recent years. It serves as another reminder of the importance of vigilance, rapid communication, and user education in protecting against evolving online threats. For Binance, the swift warnings from its leadership may have mitigated the fallout, but the incident will likely renew calls for improved social media security protocols within the industry.