What happened?
Threat actors gained unauthorized access to the New York Post’s X account and targeted cryptocurrency subscribers by sending them messages via Telegram. The scammers invited users to feature in a fake podcast, claiming it was an exclusive editorial invite. Alex Katz, the CEO of Kerberus, first spotted this fraudulent activity and warned users about the compromised account.
Who does this affect?
The primary targets are crypto enthusiasts who follow the New York Post on X, as they are receiving direct messages inviting them to a bogus podcast. Cybersecurity experts and those involved in the cryptocurrency market are also affected, as they may need to deal with the fallout and work to prevent further breaches. Ultimately, it affects anyone who could fall victim to scams leveraging the reputation of trusted accounts to gain sensitive information.
Why does this matter?
This incident highlights a growing trend in cyber threats where hackers use trusted platforms to conduct scams, eroding trust in legitimate accounts and impacting user behavior on social media. The market impact includes increasing scrutiny on how digital platforms manage security and data protection, prompting calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Such breaches can reduce consumer confidence and disrupt engagement on platforms critical to marketing and communications within the cryptocurrency industry.