Originally published on: November 28, 2024
Pump Science, a decentralized science (DeSci) platform, faced a major issue when its private key was accidentally leaked on GitHub, leading to the creation of fraudulent tokens by a “known attacker” on its Pump.fun profile. In response to this “screw-up,” Pump Science issued a public apology and assured users that such a mistake would not occur again.
During an ask-me-anything (AMA) session on X, Benji Leibowitz of Pump Science acknowledged the severity of the situation and expressed regret over the incident. The platform took quick action by changing its Pump.fun profile name to “dont_trust” to prevent users from purchasing any fraudulent tokens. Additionally, Pump Science partnered with blockchain security firm Blockaid to monitor new mints from the compromised address and ensure the security of its platform.
The leak of the private key was partly attributed to Solana-based software firm BuilderZ, which inadvertently left sensitive information in its GitHub codebase. Pump Science clarified that the onchain token deployer address for the fraudulent tokens did not match the official Pump Science tokens, indicating that BuilderZ was not the attacker.
Moving forward, Pump Science plans to conduct a thorough audit of its front end and implement enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The platform is committed to ensuring the security of its users and will only launch new tokens after rigorous testing and verification of its smart contracts.
Pump Science’s platform enables the trading of tokens linked to longevity medicines, with its flagship tokens, Rifampicin (RIF) and Urolithin A (URO), exhibiting substantial market capitalizations. Rifampin is commonly used in tuberculosis treatment, while Urolithin A is a dietary supplement known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
As Pump Science strives to secure its platform and maintain user trust, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures in the crypto space. Stay informed on the latest developments in decentralized science and crypto markets by subscribing to our newsletter for exclusive insights and analysis.