Lazarus Targets Manta Network Co-Founder in Zoom Phishing Attack

Cybercrime Meets Crypto: What You Need to Know

If you’re involved in the crypto world, you already know that security threats are part of the landscape. But imagine taking a normal Zoom call — and unknowingly walking into a trap set by one of the world’s most dangerous cybercriminal groups. That’s exactly what happened to Kenny Li, co-founder of Manta Network.

So, what went down? Let’s take a closer look.

Who Is Lazarus and Why Should You Care?

The Lazarus Group is a notorious cybercrime syndicate, believed to be backed by the North Korean government. Over the years, this group has pulled off a number of high-profile attacks, particularly targeting the cryptocurrency sector.

Why crypto? Because it’s fast-moving, often loosely regulated, and incredibly valuable.

This time, their target was a key figure in a prominent blockchain project — and they took a more personal approach.

The Zoom Invite That Wasn’t What It Seemed

Kenny Li received what appeared to be a standard invitation to a Zoom call. That’s not unusual in the crypto space, where daily business often involves virtual meetings with investors, developers, and partners.

But behind the scenes, this was a carefully crafted phishing scam.

Here’s how it worked.

• Li was sent a Zoom link, supposedly for a business call.
• During the session, he was prompted to download a file — likely presented as a meeting agenda or document.
• That file contained malware designed to breach his system, giving attackers backdoor access.

It’s a clever tactic. Zoom has become part of everyday work life. We trust it. So an innocent-looking download during a meeting doesn’t raise red flags — until it’s too late.

What Is Manta Network and Why Was It Targeted?

Manta Network is a privacy-focused blockchain protocol. It allows users to perform crypto transactions that are secure and untraceable, built on zero-knowledge (ZK) proof technology.

Why would Lazarus go after a co-founder?

• Leaders of crypto projects often hold sensitive internal data.
• They control access to private keys and infrastructure.
• Compromising their systems could mean access to wallets, tokens, or even user data.

In short, Kenny Li and Manta Network represented a big target.

How the Attack Was Discovered

The Manta team quickly realized something was off. Thanks to fast coordination with internal and external cybersecurity experts, the attack was contained before any serious breach occurred.

Here’s what they did right:

• Recognized unusual activity immediately.
• Paused operations to isolate affected systems.
• Worked with trusted cyber threat analysts to trace the origin.
• Informed their community openly to maintain transparency.

By taking quick action, they avoided what could have been a massive security crisis. But this raises an important question: How prepared are you?

Lessons You Can Apply Right Now

Scams like this are becoming smarter. It’s no longer just suspicious emails — now it’s video calls, chat apps, and even social media DMs.

So what can you do to stay safe?

Here are a few steps you can take today:

• Never download files during a meeting unless you can verify the source independently.
• Use antivirus software and keep it updated regularly.
• Create separate work and personal accounts and devices when possible.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it’s offered.
• Avoid using personal email accounts for business communications.

Simple steps — but they can make a big difference.

The Bigger Picture: Crypto Remains a Hot Target

Lazarus is just one of many state-sponsored or highly organized groups targeting the blockchain world. According to reports, they’ve been behind cyberattacks leading to over $3 billion in losses in the past few years.

Why should you care?

Because even if you’re not running a blockchain startup, you could still be exposed.

If you own crypto, use DeFi apps, or invest in NFT projects, then your data — and your money — could be valuable to attackers.

And as scams evolve, human error becomes the weak link.

Understanding Social Engineering

Phishing isn’t always about links in emails. It’s about social engineering — the art of deception.

Bad actors study your habits. They research your connections. Then, they build trust before launching an attack.

Think of it like this: instead of breaking down a locked door, they just trick you into opening it.

Ask yourself:

• Have you ever rushed to join a Zoom call without verifying the sender?
• Have you downloaded a file just to “keep things moving” during a meeting?
• Have you shared your screen without checking what’s visible?

These are small moments that hackers rely on. That’s why awareness is your best defense.

Staying Secure in a Remote-First World

As remote work continues to grow, video calls, online messaging, and file sharing will keep dominating our daily routines. But along with convenience comes risk.

Here are some ideas to help protect your work environment:

• Treat video invites like emails: Verify authenticity, especially if unsolicited.
• Practice digital hygiene: Log out, clear cache, remove unused extensions.
• Separate roles and permissions: If you’re managing a project, avoid using admin privileges for day-to-day tasks.
• Train your team: Share real-life examples, like the Manta case, to build awareness.

Remember, hackers don’t just hack systems — they hack people.

Final Thoughts

The attack on Manta Network’s co-founder wasn’t random. It was strategic. It targeted a high-value individual using a tool we all recognize and trust: Zoom.

That’s what makes it so dangerous.

You don’t have to be a developer or a tech expert to take this seriously. Whether you’re an investor, a project manager, or just crypto-curious — this kind of threat affects all of us.

Stay sharp. Question everything. And when in doubt, don’t click.

Want more on crypto security trends? Keep following our blog for real-world insights and practical tips.

Keywords:

Manta Network, Lazarus Group, Zoom phishing scam, crypto cybersecurity, blockchain security, phishing attack, Kenny Li Manta, Lazarus crypto attack, crypto phishing prevention, DeFi security.