Microsoft’s X account hacked in crypto pump-and-dump scheme
Attackers took over Microsoft's official X account, which has more than 13 million followers, and used it to promote a cryptocurrency token in what appears to have been a pump-and-dump scheme. The account was hijacked by unknown actors, and the incident was reported on Thursday.
Why this matters: When an account with 13 million followers gets hijacked, the damage is not just to the brand. People trust verified accounts from companies like Microsoft. That trust gets turned into a weapon. Followers see a post, assume it is real, and some act on it before anyone catches it. This is the actual value of a high-follower verified account to a scammer. Platform security and account verification are not abstract problems. They determine whether the audience gets used as a target.
Who should care: Cybersecurity · Privacy officers · Administrators
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