LinkedIn users are now being targeted by cryptocurrency scammers, according to Web3 security expert Taylor Monahan. With the hackers now on LinkedIn, it adds to a long list of other places where these criminals have infiltrated. The criminals have one motive in mind, which is to steal people’s digital assets in any way possible.
In a post by Monahan, hackers are using specialized social media propaganda to spread malware. After the malware finishes the job, it renders the victim’s devices useless, giving the criminals assets to them. Monahan gave a detailed explanation of how the hackers carry out their attacks.
Web3 security expert highlights LinkedIn scam
According to Monahan on X, the hackers begin their operations by creating fake LinkedIn accounts. The next step is to impersonate recruiters from popular platforms. The hackers then initiate conversations with their victims, a move that helps them build trust.
After building trust, the hackers offer them mouth-watering employment opportunities. Tactic usually works, especially among users looking for employment. Monahan also said that the employed ones fall for the trick because most of them want to increase their income stream.
The hackers, in a bid to prove their legality, put their victims through several tests. In the end, they ask their victims to record their responses, cutting their voice and microphone. Most times, they usually blame one technical issue or another for their lack of audio and video. After this, they send their victims a link, causing them harm via the link.
Monahan warns the crypto community about the scheme
Monahan claimed that once users click the link, they surrender control of their devices to the hackers.
“If you follow their instructions, you are fcked. They vary depending on whether you are on Mac/Windows/Linux. But once you do it, Chrome will prompt you to update/restart to “fix the issue.” It’s not fixing the issue. It’s fully fcking you,” he said.
It remains unclear how much the hackers have recouped or how far their hack has reached. While LinkedIn said it has taken measures to mitigate the issues, it is still a source of concern. The platform claimed that it removed about 80 million fake profiles in the first half of 2024. The platform credited its automated machine with most of the clearance, noting that it removed more than 90% upon creation.