Binance Founder CZ Targeted by Government-Backed Hackers in 2025: What You Need to Know
- Why Did CZ Receive a Government Hacking Alert?
- Who Are the Lazarus Group, and Why Are They So Dangerous?
- Major Crypto Platforms Under Fire: Binance, Bybit, and Beyond
- How to Shield Yourself from Crypto Hacks: 5 Must-Do Steps
- Where’s the Safest Place to Keep Your Crypto?
- FAQs: Your Crypto Security Questions Answered
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance, recently revealed a chilling warning from Google: his account was targeted by "government-backed hackers." This incident highlights the escalating cyber threats facing crypto leaders, with North Korea’s Lazarus Group suspected as the prime culprit. From phishing scams to high-profile exchange breaches, the digital war over crypto is intensifying. Here’s a deep dive into the attack, the Lazarus Group’s tactics, and how to protect your assets in this risky landscape.
Why Did CZ Receive a Government Hacking Alert?
Imagine checking your phone to find a Google warning: "Government-backed attackers are trying to access your account." That’s exactly what happened to CZ, who shared the alert on X (formerly Twitter) with his trademark dry humor: "I don’t even have anything important here." But the stakes are far from laughable. Experts, including CZ himself, point to North Korea’s Lazarus Group—a notorious hacking collective linked to Pyongyang. This isn’t their first rodeo; they’re accused of stealing $1.4 billion from Bybit in 2024 alone. Their playbook? Infiltrating crypto teams via fake freelance profiles and malware-laced job offers. As Chainalysis reported, 2024 saw record crypto thefts tied to these tactics. The message is clear: no one, not even CZ, is safe.
Who Are the Lazarus Group, and Why Are They So Dangerous?
The Lazarus Group isn’t your average cybercrime gang. They’re a state-sponsored shadow army, funding Kim Jong-un’s regime through stolen crypto. Their recent modus operandi? Going beyond remote hacks to embed themselves in crypto projects. Picture this: a "developer" with a polished LinkedIn profile, glowing references, and a hidden agenda. Once inside, they exploit trust to drain wallets. In 2024, they nearly emptied a DeFi protocol by posing as a legit coder. Scary, right? Their adaptability makes them a top-tier threat—whether it’s phishing emails or compromised browser extensions, they’re masters of social engineering.
Major Crypto Platforms Under Fire: Binance, Bybit, and Beyond
Big targets mean big paydays. In 2024, Coinbase suffered a data leak affecting 1% of users. Bybit’s $1.4 billion hack became the industry’s worst loss. Now, with CZ in the crosshairs, the pattern is undeniable: exchanges are bullseyes for hackers. The weakest link? Human error. A single clicked LINK or reused password can trigger disaster. Even Binance’s ironclad security couldn’t stop the attempt on CZ’s personal account. As one BTCC analyst noted, "Lazarus doesn’t break systems; they break people."
How to Shield Yourself from Crypto Hacks: 5 Must-Do Steps
1.: Google Authenticator or hardware keys beat SMS codes.
2.: That "exclusive airdrop" email? Trash it.
3.: Unique passwords for each platform are non-negotiable.
4.: Store long-term holdings offline (e.g., Ledger, Trezor).
5.: Double-check URLs and sender addresses—Lazarus fakes both.
Where’s the Safest Place to Keep Your Crypto?
Exchanges are convenient but risky. For true security, opt for non-custodial wallets like Best Wallet, where you control the private keys. As one user quipped, "Not your keys, not your crypto—ask the Bybit hackers." Best Wallet’s air-gapped design means even if Lazarus hacks the company, your funds stay untouched. Pro tip: Diversify storage across multiple wallets to limit exposure.
FAQs: Your Crypto Security Questions Answered
How often do government-backed attacks happen?
Daily. Google’s Threat Analysis Group blocks ~50,000 state-sponsored attacks monthly. CZ’s case is just the tip of the iceberg.
Is North Korea the only threat?
No. Russia’s Fancy Bear and Iran’s APT34 also target crypto, but Lazarus dominates with $3 billion stolen since 2017 (CoinMarketCap data).
Can small investors get hacked?
Absolutely. Lazarus uses "spray-and-pray" tactics—targeting thousands to hit a few. Even $100 in crypto makes you a mark.
