Highlights:
- Kraken and Binance stopped phishing attacks using strong protections and smart AI systems.
- Attackers used social engineering to target support staff for customer data theft.
- Strong security and fast action keep user data safer as crypto risks grow.
Binance and Kraken, two major crypto exchange platforms, were recently targeted by phishing attacks similar to the one that hit Coinbase on May 15, as per a Bloomberg report. These cyber attacks aimed to steal customer information, but both platforms managed to block them successfully. These frims used strong protections and smart AI systems to stop the attacks early.
According to Bloomberg, Binance and Kraken faced social engineering attacks similar to those targeting Coinbase but successfully prevented customer data breaches. Sources report that hackers attempted to bribe Binance customer service staff, directing them to a specific Telegram…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 16, 2025
Cybercriminals Targeted Support Representatives
Reports say the attackers used social engineering, a trick where hackers try to fool or influence employees into giving away private information. Binance’s AI system quickly noticed the suspicious activity, flagged it, and blocked it. Kraken also stopped any loss of customer data, but it’s not clear exactly how. This helped keep both employees and customers safe from losing data.
Both Binance and Kraken said that no passwords, private keys, or crypto money were exposed in the attack. Right now, it’s not clear if the same hackers who attacked Coinbase also tried to hack Binance and Kraken. Both firms stated, “Our internal artificial intelligence (AI) security system detected and blocked the attack attempts early,” and “No customer information was leaked.”
Reports say the attackers used social engineering. They tried to bribe customer service staff and sent messages on Telegram. The hackers wanted them to share customer data, like account balances and home addresses.
This attack is similar to one that hit Coinbase, which disclosed the breach in a recent United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. It revealed that customer support staff based overseas were targeted, and some of them provided the hackers with the requested data. As a result, the platform now faces about $400 million in cleanup costs, including refunds to customers. Coinbase is offering a $20 million bounty for information that helps arrest and convict the attackers.
Cyber criminals bribed and recruited rogue overseas support agents to pull personal data on <1% of Coinbase MTUs. No passwords, private keys, or funds were exposed. Prime accounts are untouched. We will reimburse impacted customers. More here: https://t.co/SidVn59JCV
— Coinbase 🛡️ (@coinbase) May 15, 2025
As phishing scams grow more advanced, crypto exchanges are becoming key targets for cybercriminals. Recent incidents, like the $1.4 billion breach at Bybit, show the rising dangers, with $2.2 billion stolen so far in 2024.
Strong Security Protects Crypto Users from Growing Risks
This incident shows how important strong security is in the crypto world. While Coinbase is handling the damage from the attack, Binance and Kraken proved that smart security tools, especially AI, can stop attacks before they cause harm. Hackers now target people, not just systems. Exchanges must be careful, especially with outside service providers. Also, users should know their data is safer when exchanges have good security and act fast. As crypto grows, risks will also grow, but exchanges that are ready can better protect their users.
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