On September 4, NEAR Protocol’s X account was compromised in a cyberattack. Around 14:25 EST, the account was taken over by an unknown hacker, who posted several messages aimed at discrediting NEAR and the broader Web3 ecosystem. One particular focus of these messages was the upcoming flagship event in Bangkok, scheduled for November. The messages seemed to be an attempt to dissuade users from participating.
Hacker Video and Messages
Alongside the written posts, a video was released on the compromised account. The hacker, using a sarcastic tone, mocked the idea of Web3 and cryptocurrency. The hacker suggested that traditional financial systems, like banks, were more reliable than decentralized alternatives like NEAR, Solana, and Ethereum.
Additionally, the hacker ridiculed the upcoming event in November, advising users to “save their money,” claiming they were a waste of time and resources. The hacker also suggested that financial systems like those supported by companies such as Apple and Amazon were far superior to blockchain technology. The identity of the hacker is still unknown. However, some speculation points to a hacker known as “Four Chan,” though this is yet to be confirmed.
NEAR’s Response and Security Assessment
NEAR Protocol’s security team, led by IT security expert Mike Rotch, conducted a thorough review. Their investigation revealed that the hack was an isolated incident. Fortunately, no phishing attempts or malicious links were found targeting NEAR community members.
Trump Family’s X Accounts Hacked, Fake Crypto Announcements MadeNEAR Protocol addressed the incident by reaffirming its commitment to a user-owned internet. The response emphasized that NEAR’s vision remains unchanged. The team described the hack as an attempt to halt progress but assured the community that they remain unified and committed to innovation.
NEAR’s HR lead, Susan Warren, reassured the community of their goals and invited everyone to participate in their ongoing hackathon, which began on September 5. Additionally, the November event in Bangkok is set to continue as planned. The incident has not deterred NEAR’s broader mission of empowering users through decentralized technologies.
