Crypto Leaders Warn of Rising AI Deepfake Attacks Amid Lazarus-Linked Zoom Hacks

AI-Powered Deepfakes Target Cryptocurrency Executives

As artificial intelligence continues to advance, the cryptocurrency industry is facing a new and dangerous threat: AI-generated deepfake scams designed to deceive top executives. Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the former CEO of Binance, has joined other prominent figures in sounding the alarm about these sophisticated attacks targeting the crypto community.

Zoom Video Calls: The Latest Vector for Crypto Phishing Scams

The latest wave of attacks exploits the trust that many professionals place in video communications. Hackers, reportedly linked to the infamous North Korean cybercrime group Lazarus, are impersonating acquaintances of high-profile crypto leaders using realistic deepfake videos during Zoom meetings. These scams are not only technologically advanced but also highly convincing.

Personal Accounts Highlight the Severity of the Threat

Japanese crypto influencer Mai Fujimoto recently detailed her experience in such an attack, describing how scammers impersonated a close contact using a remarkably lifelike video during a routine Zoom call. Over the course of the ten-minute meeting, the attackers claimed there was an issue with Fujimoto’s audio and convinced her to download a supposed software update. Once she clicked the link, her accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and MetaMask were compromised, resulting in the loss of sensitive information and digital assets.

Fujimoto warned, "If I had known about this type of deepfake attack, I wouldn’t have clicked the link. I urge everyone in the crypto industry to stay vigilant and cautious to avoid similar incidents."

This pattern mirrors a previous case involving former Animoca executive Mehdi Farooq, who reported that deepfakes impersonating his associates were used in a near-identical scam. After complying with a fake update request, six of his cryptocurrency wallets were rapidly drained, costing him the majority of his savings.

A Growing Concern Across the Blockchain Ecosystem

Leaders and founders from projects like Manta Network, Mon Protocol, Stably, and Devdock AI have all reported comparable phishing incidents, indicating a coordinated and escalating wave of AI-powered social engineering targeting the blockchain industry. Security analysts are increasingly confident that these attacks are connected to strategies employed by Lazarus Group, which has a long history of high-profile cryptocurrency thefts and security breaches.

The Need for Enhanced Security and Vigilance

A recent report from Bitget underscores the severity of this emerging threat. Researchers found that in 2024, AI-generated deepfake impersonations of officials, celebrities, and business leaders were responsible for roughly 40% of all high-value crypto fraud cases. As deepfake technology rapidly evolves, experts warn that even video verification—a standard safeguard in crypto transactions—may soon be unreliable.

With scam tactics growing ever more sophisticated, the global crypto community is being urged to adopt stricter cybersecurity practices, educate team members about deepfake threats, and maintain heightened awareness. Proactive defense and regular security updates are now more critical than ever for anyone managing digital assets or blockchain projects.