In recent developments, Inferno Drainer, a notorious crypto wallet-draining kit, has announced its closure after allegedly assisting phishing scammers in stealing nearly $70 million worth of cryptocurrency throughout the year. The team behind Inferno Drainer announced on November 26 through a Telegram post, stating that it was time for them to move on.
Inferno Drainer says it won’t destroy its infrastructure
Despite the shutdown, they mentioned that the files and infrastructure necessary to run the wallet-draining operations would not be destroyed. Instead, they would remain active, allowing users to make a smooth transition to alternative services. The announcement conveyed gratitude to their user base, acknowledging the collaborative effort in their illicit activities. The post expressed a sense of finality, recognizing that nothing lasts forever.
Inferno Drainer gained prominence early in 2023 and witnessed increased usage following the shutdown of the popular Monkey Drainer tool. Similar to its counterparts, Inferno provided crypto wallet-draining software, taking a 20% cut of the funds stolen by users. According to analytics from the Web3 anti-scam platform Scam Sniffer, Inferno Drainer managed to pilfer nearly $70 million from over 100,000 victims since February. However, the Inferno Drainer team suggested that the actual amount stolen could exceed $80 million.
The team deleted their affiliate Telegram account, “mr_inferno_drainer,” used for coordinating their services, and issued a warning to users not to trust any other drainers using their name in the future. CertiK, a blockchain security firm, labeled Inferno Drainer as “one of the most damaging phishing kits to the community we’ve seen.” Despite the closure of Inferno Drainer, CertiK highlighted that several other providers in this illicit space remain active. Notable among them are rivals such as Pink Drainer and Angel Drainer.
Lingering threats of hacks in the crypto space
Angel Drainer released an update on November 25 to enable users to drain wallets on additional blockchains. This underscores the persistent threat posed by such malicious actors in the crypto space. Monkey Drainer, another high-profile crypto drainer that stole millions, had previously shut down in March, citing a need to move on to something better. This trend raises concerns about the continuous evolution of such illicit activities, with perpetrators seemingly adapting to changes in the crypto landscape. The cumulative impact of Inferno Drainer’s operations is substantial, as it stands accused of playing a role in the theft of millions from unsuspecting victims.
The closure of Monkey Drainer earlier in the year had already signaled a shift in the ecosystem, with Inferno subsequently becoming a prominent player until its recent exit. In light of these developments, the crypto community remains vigilant, with security experts emphasizing the importance of heightened awareness and preventive measures. CertiK’s characterization of Inferno Drainer as particularly damaging underscores the severity of the threat posed by such phishing kits.
While one notorious player may have exited the scene, the persistence of alternative providers and the emergence of updates from competitors like Angel Drainer serve as a stark reminder that the battle against crypto scams continues. As the crypto landscape evolves, it becomes crucial for users and security professionals alike to stay informed about emerging threats and adopt proactive measures to mitigate risks. The closure of Inferno Drainer may be a milestone, but the underlying challenges associated with crypto security persist, requiring ongoing efforts to safeguard users and the integrity of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
