If you have ever typed a website address into your browser and trusted that it took you to the right place, you have relied on the Domain Name System — and you are exactly the kind of person that DNS hijacking attacks target. On October 6, 2023, the Web3 platform Galxe learned this the hard way when attackers hijacked their DNS records and redirected users to a fake website that drained over $150,000 from connected crypto wallets.
With Bitcoin at approximately $27,946 and Ethereum at $1,645, the crypto ecosystem holds enormous value — and DNS attacks are one of the simplest ways for criminals to steal it. This guide explains what DNS hijacking is, how it affects crypto users, and what you can do to protect yourself.
The Basics
DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the phone book of the internet. When you type “bitcoinsnews.com” into your browser, DNS translates that human-readable name into the numerical IP address where the website actually lives. Without DNS, you would need to memorize strings of numbers for every website you visit.
A DNS hijacking attack occurs when someone changes the DNS records so that a familiar website address — like “galxe.com” — points to a different server controlled by the attacker. The fake website often looks identical to the real one. You would not notice anything wrong until it is too late.
In crypto, this is especially dangerous because connecting your wallet to a malicious website can give attackers the ability to drain your funds. The Galxe attackers used a tool called Angel Drainer, which tricks users into signing malicious transactions that transfer their assets to the attacker’s wallet.
Why It Matters
DNS attacks matter because they bypass all the sophisticated security built into blockchain technology. Your smart contract might be bulletproof, your private keys might be safely stored on a hardware wallet, but if you connect to a fake website, none of that matters. The attacker does not need to break cryptography or exploit code — they just need to redirect your browser.
The Galxe attack was particularly effective because the platform is used by thousands of Web3 participants who regularly connect wallets to claim credentials, participate in campaigns, and engage with community features. The attackers exploited this routine behavior, knowing that users would not think twice about connecting their wallets to what appeared to be the legitimate Galxe interface.
Getting Started Guide
Here are practical steps every crypto user should take to protect against DNS hijacking attacks:
1. Use a hardware wallet for significant holdings. Devices like Ledger and Trezor require physical button presses to confirm transactions. Even if you connect to a malicious website, you can review the actual transaction details on the device screen before approving.
2. Verify URLs carefully. Before connecting your wallet, double-check the URL in your browser’s address bar. Look for subtle misspellings, unusual domain extensions, or missing security indicators like the padlock icon.
3. Use separate wallets for different activities. Keep your long-term holdings in a wallet that never connects to web platforms. Use a separate “hot wallet” with limited funds for daily interactions with Web3 applications.
4. Revoke unnecessary token approvals. After interacting with any platform, use tools like Revoke.cash to remove token approvals you no longer need. This limits the damage if a platform is compromised later.
5. Enable transaction simulation. Modern wallet extensions like MetaMask offer transaction simulation features that preview what will happen before you sign. If a transaction looks suspicious in the simulation, do not sign it.
Common Pitfalls
The biggest mistake crypto users make is assuming that if a website looks legitimate, it must be safe. DNS hijacking exploits this assumption perfectly — the fake site is often pixel-perfect. Another common error is using the same wallet for everything. When you connect a wallet to a compromised site, any approved tokens in that wallet are at risk. Segregating your assets across multiple wallets limits your exposure.
Users also frequently ignore the details of what they are signing. Crypto wallet prompts can be confusing, and attackers design their malicious requests to look like routine operations. Always read the transaction details carefully, especially the token amounts and destination addresses.
Next Steps
After reading this guide, take five minutes to audit your current setup. Check which platforms have active token approvals for your wallets. Move long-term holdings to a hardware wallet if you have not already. Set up a dedicated browser profile or even a separate browser for Web3 activities. These simple steps dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim to DNS hijacking and similar attacks. The Galxe incident was not the first DNS-based crypto theft, and it will not be the last — but it does not have to happen to you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
Galxe losing $150K because someone changed their DNS records. no smart contract exploit needed, just social engineering the domain registrar. the weakest link is never the code
the phone book analogy works well for newcomers. most people never think about DNS until they get redirected to a drainer site. Galxe users learned that the hard way for $150K
bookmarked this for sending to friends who keep connecting wallets to random airdrop sites. the checklist at the end is practical and actually useful
Mara J. sharing the checklist is the move. most people bookmark these guides and never read them until after they get drained. prevention is free, recovery is impossible in crypto
^ good idea. I send security guides to my group chat regularly and most people still skip reading them. only learn after getting hit
sending security guides to group chats and nobody reads them until they get drained. prevention is free, recovery is impossible
Galxe losing 150k because of DNS records is wild. the blockchain was secure, the DNS registrar was the weak link. same story every time
DNSSEC adoption is still terrible in 2026. until registrars force it by default these attacks will keep working
dnssec being opt-in by default in 2026 is honestly embarrassing. registrars should have flipped that switch years ago but here we are still blaming users for getting drained