Crypto Phishing Scams Increased by 40% in 2022

The rise of cryptocurrencies and decentralised finance in the Web3 age has given birth to a new species of theft: crypto phishing schemes. According to a recent study released by Kaspersky, a leading cybersecurity company, these scams are expected to rise by 40% year on year (YoY) in 2022. Understanding and preventing crypto phishing scams are becoming increasingly important as more people and organisations embrace and engage in digital assets. 

Let’s unpack crypto phishing scams and how to avoid them.

Key Statistics from the Kaspersky Report

In its thorough report, Kaspersky disclosed a substantial increase in crypto phishing incidents throughout 2022. The overall number of documented instances hit an all-time high, startlingly rising over the previous year.

The YoY growth rate of crypto phishing schemes in 2022 was 40%, indicating a significant increase in the frequency of this form of cybercrime. In contrast, the growth rate in previous years was comparatively lower, suggesting that the issue has rapidly escalated.

A Security Official at Kaspersky mentioned, “The allure of crypto as a means to make easy money with minimal effort still persists in the minds of many people, and scammers continue to exploit this by devising new and creative schemes to lure victims into their networks,” 

Kaspersky’s study revealed the geographical spread of these scams, finding areas where crypto phishing instances were most common. The major countries impacted by this threat included the United States, China, and several European countries, indicating the global character of the problem.

The study highlighted the most frequently targeted cryptocurrencies and platforms in 2022. Major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as different DeFi networks and famous crypto wallets, were among the top targets. This emphasises the importance of users of these platforms remaining vigilant and implementing robust security steps to safeguard their digital possessions.

Common Types of Phishing Scams

False exchange webpages

The development of fake exchange websites that closely resemble the look and usefulness of authentic platforms is one of the most common types of crypto phishing scams. Users who browse these fraudulent websites and enter their login details risk having their accounts compromised, and their money is then stolen.

Identical DeFi devices and purses

Similarly, scammers frequently build cloned copies of famous DeFi apps and wallet services. These clones are intended to trick users into giving their private keys or seed phrases, granting fraudsters complete access to the victims’ crypto assets.

Attacks involving social engineering and imitation

Scammers frequently employ social engineering techniques to dupe victims into disclosing private information. These strategies may include imitating customer service reps from well-known cryptocurrency platforms or soliciting personal information via phishing emails and direct messages. Before trying to defraud their targets, some scammers construct fake social media accounts or join online groups to gain their confidence.

Malicious browser add-ons

Another frequent cryptocurrency phishing scheme is creating and spreading malicious computer add-ons. These extensions may look genuine, even claiming to improve the security or usefulness of well-known crypto services. They may, however, track users’ online behaviour, intercept login information or obtain unauthorised access to users’ crypto wallets once launched.

Why Crypto Phishing Scams are Increasing

The growing popularity and broad usage of cryptocurrencies are the primary reason for the increase in crypto phishing scams. Scammers see an increasing pool of potential victims as more people engage in digital assets and are motivated to create new, sophisticated ways to exploit them.

The fast growth of decentralised finance (DeFi) has opened up new avenues for fraudsters to prey on users of these platforms. Because of DeFi’s open and permissionless nature and comparatively new and complicated technology, users may need help distinguishing between genuine platforms and scams, making them more vulnerable to phishing attacks.

Crypto phishing schemes can be highly profitable for hackers. The potential for significant financial gains, coupled with the relative simplicity with which such assaults can be carried out, has made this hacking increasingly appealing. Furthermore, the irreversible nature of crypto transfers makes it difficult for victims to reclaim their stolen funds, encouraging scammers to target the crypto community.

Because of the intrinsic anonymity and difficulty in tracking cryptocurrency transactions, law enforcement agencies have difficulty identifying and prosecuting those accountable for crypto phishing schemes. Because of the low risk of discovery and penalty, scammers are encouraged to continue their illegal activities, culminating in the development of these scams.

Does Crypto Phishing Scams Impact the Industry?

Victims of crypto phishing schemes may suffer significant financial losses due to scammers stealing their hard-earned digital assets. These losses impact individual investors and can have severe repercussions for companies and organisations that fall victim to such scams. Additionally, it adds to the existing sentiment that crypto is an unsafe trading marketplace.

People may be less likely to embrace digital assets or engage in the growing Web3 ecosystem as they become more conscious of the risks connected with them. Developers on the Bitcoineer Official website  mention that the loss of confidence can hinder the development and widespread acceptance of Web3 technologies, restricting their potential benefits and societal effect.

The growth of cryptocurrency phishing scams may raise governmental monitoring of the cryptocurrency and DeFi sectors. To safeguard customers and keep financial market stability, governments and authorities around the globe may implement stricter regulations and oversight. While some laws may be required to prevent illegal activity, excessive regulatory restrictions may impede innovation and limit the development of the crypto and Web3 sectors.

How to Prevent Crypto Phishing Scams

The first line of defence against crypto hacking schemes is education. Users should be informed of the dangers connected with digital assets and standard scam techniques. Unsolicited emails, suspicious website URLs, and queries for secret keys or seed phrases are examples of red signals.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) secures online identities by asking users to provide additional verification in addition to their passcode. Users can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access to their accounts by activating 2FA on crypto platforms and wallets, even if their login details are stolen.

Users should maintain the newest fixes and updates installed on their gadgets, software, and security systems. Scammers can use outdated software to obtain unauthorised access to users’ devices or accounts. A trustworthy antivirus and anti-malware programme can also help defend against phishing and other online dangers.

Users should enforce secure browsing practices such as double-checking website URLs before entering private information and averting clicking on suspect links or installing unverified software. Furthermore, they should only use trustworthy browser extensions and double-check their validity before installing them.

Role of the Crypto Community and Exchanges in Combating Scams

Industry participants should collaborate to create standardised security measures and best practices for the cryptocurrency environment. The industry can create a more secure atmosphere for consumers and reduce the frequency of phishing schemes by implementing and advocating for these measures.

The cryptocurrency community and platforms should actively participate in public awareness efforts to teach users about the dangers of phishing schemes and how to protect themselves. Examples include hosting webinars, publishing instructional material, and utilising social media to reach a larger audience. By increasing knowledge, the industry can enable users to make educated choices while reducing the effect of phishing schemes on the crypto environment.

The substantial increase in cryptocurrency phishing scams in 2022 highlights the increasing need to handle this pressing problem in the Web3 era. Individual users, exchanges, authorities, and the larger crypto community must all work together to fight these schemes. As we progress, we must consider how to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring security in the quickly growing Web3 world. We can reduce the dangers connected with crypto phishing schemes and eventually unleash the full potential of Web3 technologies by taking a proactive and joint strategy.