OpenAI CTO’s Twitter hacked, shilling ‘scam’ crypto airdrop

Crypto Twitter was flooded with warnings from users on June 2 after the Twitter account of Mira Murati, the primary innovation officer of synthetic intelligence company OpenAI, was relatively hacked to promote a “scam” cryptocurrency airdrop.On June 2, Muratis account tweeted what appeared to be a phishing link promising an airdrop of a supposed ERC-20 token OPENAI called after the company that developed ChatGPT. Murati has 126,200 fans on Twitter and has a validated account on the platform. The post was live for about an hour and saw 79,600 times and retweeted 83 times before it was deleted.Muratis tweet promoted the airdrop of an ERC-20 token and connected to what seems a phishing website. Source: TwitterThe tweets author had limited who could respond to the tweet, so others were not able to quickly caution the link was a scam.Related: Crypto phishing rip-offs: How users can remain safeguarded Some Twitter users theorize that Murati was a victim of a SIM-swapping attack.We dont understand whats going on yet (SIM attack?) NO WAY this is actually Mira. This is a fraud. https://t.co/zlp4SsR41l— Mark Jeffrey (@markjeffrey) June 2, 2023

The site shared in the tweet is advanced and has seemingly directly copied the design and website design of a real task called ChainGPT with some really small tweaks– mainly its prompt to link a crypto wallet.The presumed phishing site (right) is similar to ChainGPTs website (left). A security researcher from blockchain security company Beosin told Cointelegraph that the website utilizes an offered crypto wallet draining pipes set that “lures visitors into signing requests.””Once the request is signed, the aggressor will transfer NFTs and ERC-20 tokens out of the victims wallet,” Beosins scientist added.Cointelegraph contacted Murati and OpenAI for remark on how the Twitter account was breached but did not right away get an action. Update (June 2, 3:30 am UTC): This post has been upgraded with further details and comment from Beosin. It was updated once again at 4:10 am UTC to remedy the spelling of Mira Muratis first name.Magazine: Moral duty– Can blockchain really improve rely on AI?

Other Questions People Ask

What happened when OpenAI CTO’s Twitter was hacked, shilling a ‘scam’ crypto airdrop?

On June 2, the Twitter account of Mira Murati, OpenAI's CTO, was hacked to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency airdrop. The tweet included a phishing link that promised an airdrop of an ERC-20 token named OPENAI, misleading many of her 126,200 followers. The post was live for about an hour, garnering significant attention before it was deleted.

How did users react to the OpenAI CTO’s Twitter hack promoting a ‘scam’ crypto airdrop?

Users on Crypto Twitter quickly raised alarms about the suspicious tweet from Mira Murati's account, warning others not to engage with the link. Many speculated that she may have been a victim of a SIM-swapping attack, which could explain the unauthorized access to her account. The limited response options on the tweet made it difficult for users to warn others immediately.

What are the risks associated with the phishing link shared by OpenAI CTO’s hacked Twitter account?

The phishing link shared in the tweet directed users to a site that closely mimicked a legitimate project, ChainGPT, but with malicious intent. Security researchers indicated that the site was designed to lure visitors into signing requests that could drain their crypto wallets. Victims who signed these requests risked losing their NFTs and ERC-20 tokens to the attackers.

What steps can users take to protect themselves from scams like the one involving OpenAI CTO’s Twitter hack?

To safeguard against scams like the one involving Mira Murati's hacked Twitter account, users should verify the authenticity of any cryptocurrency-related communications before engaging. Always check for official announcements from verified accounts and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication on social media accounts can help prevent unauthorized access.

What did security experts say about the phishing website linked to OpenAI CTO’s Twitter hack?

Security experts highlighted that the phishing website linked in the tweet was sophisticated, having closely copied the design of a legitimate project. A researcher from Beosin noted that the site utilized a crypto wallet draining kit that tricked users into signing harmful requests. This method poses significant risks as it allows attackers to transfer assets directly from victims' wallets once they authorize the request.