Twitter has released an official statement about the recent crypto hack and how it targeted over 130 twitter accounts. The hacker group behind it baited users to send crypto to the bitcoin address bc1qxy2kgdygjrsqtzq2n0yrf2493p83kkfjhx0wlh. The group, nicknamed “Crypto for Health” simultaneously shared tweets from multiple verified Twitter accounts including those of Elon Musk, Barack Obama and Bill Gates.
The message appeared legitimate as the tweet claimed that the bitcoins will be doubled and sent back because the poster was being generous due to COVID-19. Twitter is still investigating the hack and initial reports suggest the involvement of an insider. CryptoTrends tried reaching out to Twitter for comment but haven’t received a response yet. Multiple cryptocurrency exchanges including the most popular ones like Coinbase, Binance and CoinDesk were also targeted. The blockchain explorer reveals the hack cost users over $125,000 considering the current market price of Bitcoin.
Lawmakers internationally have voiced concerns about the lax security protocols in place at Twitter and posed questions as to the damage it could have resulted in had President Donald Trump’s account been hacked..