Close to Protocol’s Official X Account Sparks Concern with Cryptic Posts: Is It Compromised?

• Close to Protocol’s cryptic X posts increase considerations of a attainable account hack.
• Latest workers discount at Close to Basis suggests restructuring to deal with core actions.
• Earlier crypto-related account compromises gas heightened scrutiny amid uncommon Close to Protocol posts.

Close to Protocol’s current cryptic X posts from its official account have sparked hypothesis and concern throughout the crypto group. The posts, which embody messages like “Darkness is coming” and “reclaim your sovereignty,” have raised suspicions of a attainable hack or hijack of the account. Regardless of this, Close to Protocol has but to supply an official affirmation.

The weird posts started on Might 8, with a 27-second Morse code video posted with out context. Cointelegraph decoded the message, revealing the phrase “Darkness is coming.” This was adopted by 4 tweets in a difficult-to-read gothic font, accompanied by a change within the account’s title and outline to match the gothic theme.

Whereas some see the X posts as an indication of impending developments throughout the Close to ecosystem, others are involved in regards to the safety of the protocol’s official account. This concern just isn’t unfounded, as different crypto-related accounts, resembling CoinGecko and america Securities and Alternate Fee, have been compromised prior to now.

In January, CoinGecko’s account was utilized in a phishing rip-off earlier than being reclaimed, whereas the SEC’s account was briefly compromised to put up a false message in regards to the approval of Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds. The timing of those incidents in relation to Close to Protocol’s posts has led to heightened scrutiny and hypothesis throughout the crypto group.

Throughout the identical interval, Close to Basis determined to cut back its workers by 40%. The muse, identified for creating the Close to Protocol layer-1 protocol, said the necessity to “considerably consolidate” its group with a purpose to deal with key actions. The choice resulted within the termination of 35 workers from the advertising and marketing, enterprise improvement, and group groups. NEAR Protocol’s present value stands at $7.11, with a buying and selling quantity of $401.8 million over the previous 24 hours, experiencing a 0.50% lower throughout this era.