The Currency analytics
By Steven Anderson
Fireblocks CEO Michael Shaulov dropped a bombshell at a New York cybersecurity conference on February 19, 2026.
These aren't your typical phishing attempts. The hackers build elaborate fake profiles with made-up credentials, work history, and professional connections that look completely…
LinkedIn knows about it. The platform is scrambling to remove fake profiles.
But nobody really knows how big the problem is yet. LinkedIn won't say much about it, which is frustrating for security folks trying to get a handle on the scope.
Fireblocks beefed up its security after discovering the threat. Shaulov keeps telling other crypto companies they need to stay alert because these hackers are constantly evolving…
The timing couldn't be worse. Crypto markets are already jittery.
Elliptic, the blockchain analytics firm, found cryptocurrency transactions tied to these scams.
The Justice Department is considering legal action. A DOJ spokesperson said on February 17, 2026, that they're reviewing potential charges, though prosecuting North Korean state…
Binance issued warnings to users on February 16, 2026, telling them to be suspicious of random LinkedIn recruitment offers.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service opened its own investigation on February 14, 2026, looking into similar recruitment scams hitting domestic tech companies.
A Blockchain Association survey published February 13, 2026, found that 62% of crypto executives feel unprepared to handle targeted cyber threats.
Gemini announced a partnership with Palo Alto Networks on February 12, 2026, to build advanced threat detection tools.
The education angle is huge too. Shaulov keeps hammering the point that employee training is crucial. "Education is our first line of defense," he said.
LinkedIn's response speed is becoming a real issue. Some crypto executives are complaining that the platform takes too long to remove fake profiles once they're reported.
Fireblocks continues monitoring the situation and expects more developments soon.