Co-Founder Stops Elaborate Phishing Scheme

Kenny Li, co-founder of Manta Network, recently thwarted a sophisticated phishing attack linked to the notorious Lazarus hacker group from North Korea. This alarming incident unfolded during a Zoom meeting, where Li was initially deceived into believing he was interacting with trusted associates.

How Did the Phishing Scheme Unfold?

Li’s ordeal began when a familiar contact reached out to him on Telegram, leading to a scheduled Zoom call. The meeting featured recognizable figures, which lulled him into a false sense of security. However, the unexpected silence and a notification prompting a Zoom update raised red flags, particularly when he was urged to download a suspicious script file.

Was This Attack Part of a Bigger Strategy?

This attempt was not an isolated case; other members of the tech community, including those from ContributionDAO, reported similar tactics. The insistence on using a “commercial version” of Zoom and the dismissal of other platforms underscored a calculated approach by the attackers.

Li’s quick thinking allowed him to exit the meeting before any harm was done. Upon re-attempting to contact his supposed colleagues, he discovered that all communication had been erased, and he had been blocked. Such tactics highlight a disturbing trend where attackers exploit familiar identities to gain trust while disabling audio to further their malicious agendas.

• Phishing attempts targeting trusted contacts using familiar faces.
• Pressure to install malware disguised as software updates.
• Systematic targeting of cryptocurrency sector professionals.

Security experts advise users to act swiftly when faced with suspicious behaviors during virtual meetings and to verify identities through other means, ensuring a proactive stance against potential threats.