By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
A String of High-Profile Hacks Targets Celebrities and Influencers, Exposing the Fragility of Digital Security.
In the digital age, no one is immune to the threat of cyberattacks, not even the world’s most famous personalities.
Kylian Mbappe, one of football’s brightest stars, became a victim of cyber infiltration when his social media account on X (formerly Twitter) was hacked. On August 29, unauthorized posts appeared on his account, igniting fresh debates in the football community.
From sports icons to celebrities and cryptocurrency traders, a recent wave of coordinated cyber infiltrations has left many high-profile figures grappling with the consequences of compromised digital security. These attacks, which span across various industries, underscore the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in a world increasingly dependent on digital communication.
The Famous 5 Victims: A Timeline of Cyber Infiltration
The following cases highlight a disturbing trend in cybercrime, where attackers target the social media accounts of well-known figures to manipulate public opinion, steal sensitive information, or scam unsuspecting fans.
Kylian Mbappe: Football’s Star Caught in the Crossfire
Date of Occurrence: 29th, August 2024
Kylian Mbappe’s social media account on X was hacked yesterday. Unauthorized posts appeared on his account, igniting fresh debates in the football community. The controversial tweets included insults directed at Lionel Messi and criticisms of top Premier League teams, causing a stir among fans and sparking heated discussions online. The incident not only rekindled old rivalries but also highlighted the vulnerability of even the most celebrated athletes to cyber threats.
Matthew Perry: Scammers Target a Beloved Actor
Date of Occurrence: February 2024
The late Matthew Perry’s official Twitter account was hijacked by cryptocurrency scammers in February 2024. The attackers used the account to solicit donations from Perry’s fans, falsely claiming the funds were for battling addiction. The post was quickly removed, but the damage was done, leaving many of Perry’s admirers feeling betrayed and highlighting the emotional toll such hacks can take on both victims and their followers.
Sydney Sweeney: The Crypto Scam on Twitter
Date of Occurrence: July 2024
Actress Sydney Sweeney found herself at the center of a crypto-related hack when her Twitter account was used to promote a fraudulent Solana meme coin. The posts, which aggressively pushed the new cryptocurrency, were quickly deleted, but not before causing confusion among her followers. This incident is part of a growing trend where cybercriminals use celebrity accounts to pump and dump digital currencies, leaving unsuspecting investors at a loss.
Gigantic-Cassocked-Rebirth (GCR): A Crypto Investor’s Nightmare
Date of Occurrence: May 2024
Gigantic-Cassocked-Rebirth, known as GCR, is a pseudonymous cryptocurrency investor famous for contrarian trades. In May 2024, GCR’s X account was hacked, leading to posts about ORDI and Luna2.0 tokens. The unauthorized tweets caused the tokens to surge by 6% and 274% respectively, momentarily benefiting the attackers before the posts were taken down. This incident highlights the significant impact that cyber infiltrations can have on financial markets, particularly in the volatile world of cryptocurrency.
Vitalik Buterin: A Cybersecurity Breach in the Crypto Community
Date of Occurrence: 2023
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin experienced a significant cyber attack when his X account was compromised in 2023. The hackers used a phishing link to steal over $691,000 from his followers, dealing a severe blow to the crypto community’s trust. Speculation suggests that the attack may have been facilitated by a SIM swap, a technique that allows hackers to take control of a victim’s phone number and, subsequently, their online accounts.
Protecting Against Cyber Threats: Lessons from the Six Victims
The cases of these six high-profile victims serve as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. While celebrities and influencers are prime targets due to their large followings, the lessons learned from these incidents apply to everyone who uses digital platforms. Here are some essential tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime:
Strengthen Your Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for each account to make it harder for hackers to gain access.
Create Unique Passwords for Each Account: Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms to minimize the risk of widespread breaches.
Change Default Passwords: Ensure that default passwords on devices are replaced with more secure alternatives.
Use Anti-Virus Software: Protect your devices with reliable anti-virus programs to prevent unauthorized access.
Check Your Cloud Settings: Be cautious about storing sensitive information in the cloud and adjust settings to enhance security.
Update Your Software: Regularly update software to patch vulnerabilities and protect against the latest threats.
Test the System: Consider ethical hacking or other methods to identify and fix weaknesses in your security.
As cybercriminals continue to target high-profile figures, the importance of digital security becomes ever more apparent. The experiences of these six victims serve as a cautionary tale for individuals and organizations alike, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard personal and financial information. In a world where digital presence is inseparable from personal identity, cybersecurity is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
