Based Apparel, linked to Kash Patel, shut down due to malware allegations targeting crypto wallets, marking a second controversy for Patel.
Summary
- Based Apparel, linked to FBI Director Kash Patel, has closed its site amid reports of distributing malware that targets cryptocurrency wallets.
- The "ClickFix" malware deceived macOS users into executing commands that compromised their crypto session tokens.
- This incident adds to Patel's history of involvement in crypto-related controversies, following a previous data breach.
The online clothing retailer Based Apparel, associated with FBI Director Kash Patel, has shut down its website due to allegations of distributing malware that drains cryptocurrency wallets.
Before the shutdown, macOS users were reportedly tricked into installing “ClickFix” malware by entering a command into their terminal, which jeopardized their session tokens and crypto wallets. A user on X highlighted these concerns.
The site had been flagged as “potentially deceptive” for MetaMask users, who were greeted with warnings about the risks of malicious transactions that could result in asset theft.
While PCMag confirmed the malware's functionality, Decrypt reported that the attack could not be replicated, as Based Apparel now asserts that it will return online soon, claiming to be “bolder than ever.”
This type of infostealer malware has been designed to extract sensitive data from users' devices and has been in existence since at least 2006. Recently, the FBI has been looking into several PC games on Steam that had installed similar harmful software.
It is currently unclear whether the breach has led to significant losses for Based Apparel, which typically receives around 33,600 visitors monthly, according to ahrefs. The store features items like a camouflage hoodie that are popular among its clientele.
Kash Patel co-owns the business alongside Andrew Ollis, the CEO and board member of the Kash Foundation. The foundation's website directs visitors to Based Apparel through its main menu.
Though Patel founded the nonprofit, he is no longer involved, as stated on the foundation’s official site, which also clarifies that it has no ties to any government organizations, including the FBI.
Patel has previously faced scrutiny related to crypto issues, including a data leak from Iranian hackers that exposed his personal email and username, which subsequently led to the emergence of meme coins themed around him.
