MetaMask's new 2FA scam appears, SlowMist warns users to stay vigilant

According to the latest news, the Chief Information Security Officer of SlowMist Technology recently posted on social media, warning users to be vigilant against a new “2FA security verification” scam appearing on MetaMask. This is the latest case in the recent series of security incidents in the crypto ecosystem. From the $1.08 million stolen from users on January 3 via aEthLBTC, to the exposure of potential serious vulnerabilities at HitBTC on January 4, security risks are escalating.

New Threats in 2FA Verification Scams

What is a 2FA verification scam

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) was originally designed as a security measure to enhance account safety. However, attackers have found new ways to exploit this mechanism for scams. Based on patterns observed in recent security incidents, these scams typically operate as follows:

  • Impersonating official or related services to send fake verification requests
  • Inducing users to input or confirm their 2FA codes
  • Leveraging users’ trust in official channels to conduct phishing
  • Taking over accounts or performing unauthorized actions after obtaining the codes

Why has 2FA become a vulnerability

It may seem counterintuitive, but this is the cleverness of the scam. Users often relax their vigilance during the 2FA step, believing it to be “official verification,” making them more susceptible to deception. Unlike typical phishing sites, 2FA scams exploit users’ trust in the security mechanism itself.

Warnings from Recent Security Trends

This is not an isolated incident. Related information indicates that security risks in the crypto ecosystem are escalating:

Date Event Loss/Impact
January 3 Users mistakenly authorize malicious permissions 12 aEthLBTC, approximately $1.08 million
January 4 HitBTC exposed to serious vulnerabilities Potential impact unknown, no official response
January 4 MetaMask new 2FA scam Scope unknown

This trend shows that attackers are continuously upgrading their tactics, evolving from simple phishing sites to exploiting official security mechanisms for deception.

What Should Users Do

Based on common features of these security incidents, the following precautions are recommended:

  • Never enter your 2FA code in pop-ups or emails, even if they appear to be from official sources
  • Use 2FA codes solely for logging into your own accounts; do not share them with anyone or any service
  • Access official websites directly for sensitive operations, avoiding links or redirects
  • Be cautious of prompts like “Security Verification” or “Account Anomaly”
  • Enable additional security layers such as hardware wallets
  • Regularly review account authorizations and activity logs

Summary

This new 2FA scam involving MetaMask reflects a deeper issue: as security measures improve, attackers are also upgrading their strategies. From the stolen aEthLBTC case, we see that even DeFi assets can be compromised through malicious permissions. The discovery of vulnerabilities at HitBTC indicates that centralized platforms like exchanges also face serious security challenges.

In this context, users need to recognize a key point: no mechanism is 100% secure. The ultimate defense lies in personal vigilance. Do not trust any “verification” that actively seeks you out, and avoid entering sensitive information through unfamiliar channels—these are the most effective protective measures.

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
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