Cryptocurrency users and investors are facing another wave of cyberattacks, as reports confirm that a coordinated wallet-draining attack has struck hundreds of users across multiple EVM-compatible blockchains. The attack, identified by blockchain investigator ZachXBT, has already resulted in over $107,000 in losses, and the total continues to rise.
The Scale and Pattern of the Attack
The wallet-draining operation targets accounts with smaller balances, aiming for a large-scale impact rather than focusing on high-value wallets. On average, each affected wallet has lost less than $2,000, yet the collective damage is significant. This approach highlights a strategy centered on scale, spreading the losses across numerous users.
According to the data shared by ZachXBT:
- Ethereum accounts sustained the majority of losses, totaling $54,655 (51% of the overall value).
- BNB Chain follows with $25,545 (24%).
- Base records $8,688 (8%), while Arbitrum incurs $6,273 (6%).
- Polygon users reported $3,498 in losses (3%), and smaller blockchains like zkSync Era, Manta Pacific, and Ink experienced minor yet consistent activity tied to the attack.
A Suspicious Address Linked to the Hack
Investigators have flagged the suspicious wallet address 0xAc2e5153170278e24667a580baEa056ad8Bf9bFB. This address has been linked to multiple transactions across EVM-compatible networks, all exhibiting a similar pattern. The stolen funds are moved quickly in small increments, making it challenging for manual tracking systems to follow the trail. This coordinated activity highlights the organized nature of the perpetrators.
Ongoing Investigations
Despite detecting the suspicious address and tracking reported losses, the root cause of the attack remains unclear. No specific technical exploits or user behavior have been confirmed as vulnerability points. Authorities and blockchain investigators continue to work on identifying the origin of these breaches.
Protecting Yourself from Future Attacks
This attack is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting your cryptocurrency assets. Here are some essential security measures:
- Use a hardware wallet like the Ledger Nano X (aff link), which securely stores your private keys offline.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your wallets and exchanges.
- Be cautious when connecting your wallet to unfamiliar dApps or services.
- Regularly update your wallet software to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.
As the popularity of decentralized finance (DeFi) grows, so does the sophistication of cyber threats. Staying informed and adopting robust security measures is essential for anyone active in the blockchain space.