BNB Chain’s Official X Account Hacked, CZ Warns of Phishing Links

The official X account of BNB Chain, which has over 3.8 million followers got compromised. Hackers used the platform to post fraudulent links disguised as legitimate announcements. Tricking unsuspecting users into connecting their wallets to phishing sites. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) quickly issued a public warning. He urged the community to avoid engaging with suspicious posts.

Hacker Posts Phishing Airdrop Links

Shortly after gaining control of the account. The attacker published a fake announcement about a so-called BNB HODLer Airdrop. The post claimed that users could access rewards through the “Binance Airdrop Portal,” linking to an external domain. Security researchers flagged the links as WalletConnect phishing attempts. It is designed to steal user credentials and drain funds from compromised wallets. 

The tactic mirrors previous high-profile social media exploits. In which attackers impersonate trusted brands to exploit user confidence. The fraudulent posts stood in sharp contrast to BNB Chain usual developer updates and community announcements. By targeting one of the most-followed blockchain accounts. The hacker sought to maximize reach and potential impact.

CZ Responds With Urgent Warnings

Binance’s former CEO and BNB Chain’s most visible spokesperson, CZ, issued two back-to-back alerts. Initially, he told users the account “may have been compromised.” He is urging caution and advising against clicking any recently posted links. Shortly after, he confirmed the hack and highlighted the phishing scheme directly. “Do NOT connect your wallet,” CZ stressed, warning that malicious actors were using phishing websites to steal funds. 

He also revealed that Binance security teams had already notified X. He requested suspension of the account while restoration measures were underway. CZ reminded followers that phishing risks persist even when messages appear from verified or official accounts. He is underlining the importance of carefully checking domains. “Stay SAFU,” he concluded, repeating Binance long standing community safety slogan.

Security Teams Take Immediate Action

According to CZ, Binance and BNB Chain’s cybersecurity units are coordinating with X’s internal teams to recover control of the compromised handle. The first step involves temporarily suspending the account to limit further phishing activity. This is followed by restoring ownership to BNB Chain administrators. At the same time, Binance is filing takedown requests against the malicious domains promoted by the hackers. 

Such actions are standard practice in the industry. But it often resembles a game of whack-a-mole. Phishing operators frequently migrate to new domains when blocked. The breach also shows the vulnerability of social media platforms as attack vectors in the crypto industry. While Web3 technologies emphasize decentralization, community communication still relies heavily on centralized channels like X. This is creating exploitable single points of failure.

A Wake-Up Call for the Community

The BNB Chain hack is part of a growing trend of social engineering attacks targeting official crypto accounts. Similar incidents have hit high-profile projects, influencers and even governments. It costs users millions in stolen assets. Security experts recommend that users remain cautious of airdrop announcements. Even when they appear to come from trusted entities.

Cross-checking updates on official websites or multiple verified channels can help reduce risks. For BNB Chain, the incident underscores the need for stronger authentication measures on critical accounts. The blockchain network is widely used for decentralized applications and boasts millions of users. Now faces renewed scrutiny over the security of its communication channels.

Looking Ahead

While the financial damage caused by this particular attack remains unclear. The reputational stakes are high. Crypto investors and users rely on official X accounts for real-time updates, and breaches like this erode trust. BNB Chain recovery process will likely include not just regaining access but also reassuring its community. The team will put additional safeguards in place to prevent recurrence.

Currently, we advise users to disregard any recent posts from the compromised account. And wait for official confirmation once the team restores access. The hack serves as a stark reminder. In crypto, vigilance is not optional. Even hackers can weaponize official channels, and the burden of security often falls directly on the community itself.