In a recent report, Kaspersky, a leading cybersecurity and anti-virus provider, unveiled that cryptocurrency phishing attacks have surged by 40% year-on-year in 2022. The report highlights that the company detected a staggering 5,040,520 crypto phishing attacks in the year, compared to 3,596,437 in 2021.
Cryptocurrency phishing attacks are a type of cybercrime that involves tricking individuals into divulging their digital assets’ private keys or login credentials. Cybercriminals use various tactics to lure victims, such as impersonating legitimate crypto exchanges or wallets, offering fake giveaways, or creating fraudulent websites.
The Kaspersky report further reveals that the most targeted cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, accounting for 57% of all phishing attempts. Ethereum and Binance Coin followed closely, with 23% and 4% respectively. The remaining 16% were aimed at other cryptocurrencies.
The report also highlighted the countries most affected by crypto phishing attacks. The United States topped the list, accounting for 35% of all attacks, followed by Russia (10%), Brazil (6%), and the United Kingdom (6%).
Kaspersky’s research indicates that the rise in cryptocurrency phishing attacks is due to the increasing popularity of digital assets and the lucrative gains they offer. Cybercriminals are continuously devising new techniques to exploit the lack of awareness and vulnerabilities of crypto users.
To protect themselves from such attacks, Kaspersky recommends that users keep their software updated, use two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files. Additionally, users should only use trusted crypto exchanges and wallets and never share their private keys or login credentials with anyone.
The surge in cryptocurrency phishing attacks is a concerning trend that highlights the need for increased awareness and education around digital asset security. As the crypto industry continues to grow, it is essential to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard one’s investments and personal information.
