Crypto Security Alert: New York Post’s X Account Compromised
In a shocking revelation, hackers have reportedly infiltrated the New York Post’s X account, targeting unsuspecting cryptocurrency enthusiasts. This raises significant concerns about security within the crypto community as affected users shared their experiences of receiving dubious messages from what appeared to be an official account. On May 3, Alex Katz, founder and CEO of Kerberus, was among the first to sound the alarm, highlighting the deceitful tactics employed by these cybercriminals.
Scammers Invite Individuals to “Exclusive Podcast”
The fraudulent messages, purportedly from journalist Paul Sperry and disseminated via the NY Post’s official X account, claimed to offer an opportunity to join an upcoming podcast. “We’re lining up new guests for our podcast and would love to feature you in an upcoming episode,” the message read. It also touted both in-person and virtual collaboration options, luring victims into a false sense of security.
The @nypost’s X account is compromised sending DM’s inviting crypto users to their “podcast”. pic.twitter.com/c3YbgmW9un— Metro Katz (@metrokatz) May 3, 2025
Cybersecurity Insights: The Blocked Communications
Cybersecurity expert Drew, founder of “Drew” Security, noted a particularly concerning aspect of this scam: the scammers had blocked recipients from replying. This tactic was likely designed to suppress any alerts to the real NY Post team about the account compromise, allowing the fraud to continue unimpeded. “If you have received this message from the NY Post, do not engage with the individual on Telegram; it is a scam!” Drew cautioned.
Interesting New Scam Tactic 👀If you have received this message from the @nypost (shoutout to @metrokatz for first reporting this), do not message the individual on Telegram, it is a scam!What’s interesting about this case is that the scammer gained unauthorized access but… pic.twitter.com/Xr0c1Q87O3— NFT_Dreww.eth (@nft_dreww) May 3, 2025
Understanding the New Messaging Tactics
As the scheme unfolds, other users reported similar encounters with seemingly authentic messages from the NY Post. One user shared that they received a request for an interview containing specific details, seemingly increasing its legitimacy. “They ask for an interview with person-specific details,” the individual recounted, warning of the advanced methods employed by scammers.
Never seen this scam: + DM from what appears to be actual @nypost account, prompt to msg TG+ they ask for interview with person-specific details (ordinals in my case)+ legit-looking Calendly NY Post slug+ probable Zoom exploit not in screen share but in enabling audio 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/RlspXiuS5A— donny (@itsdonnyok) May 4, 2025
Scammers Are Evolving: A Call for Vigilance
In an alarming twist, the user highlighted how meetings initiated by these scammers began with audio disabled, creating an environment ripe for exploitation. When participants were prompted to enable audio, they were presented with a pop-up offering either to ‘cancel’ or use ‘WiFi’. The latter could potentially grant the scammers unwanted access to users’ networks. “These scammers are improving in their tactics,” he warned, urging caution among those in the crypto space.
Why This Matters: Protecting Your Crypto Assets
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the necessity for heightened vigilance in the cryptocurrency community. With attacks becoming increasingly sophisticated and scams more misleading, it’s essential for users to remain circumspect. Even established platforms can fall victim to compromises, and the implications can be severe, affecting not only personal data but also financial security.
Expert Opinions: Insights from the Field
As these cyber threats continue to evolve, experts emphasize the need for constant verification. Drew noted, “Always remember that just because you chat with someone regularly doesn’t mean their account hasn’t been compromised. Verify identities before responding.” Such insights are paramount as the landscape of online communication changes, and trust is often exploited through familiar channels.
Future Outlook: Learning and Adapting
The tactics used in this NY Post account breach represent a growing trend in the cybercrime arena. As fraudsters adopt more convincing strategies, the onus is on individuals to stay informed and cautious. Educational campaigns within the crypto sphere urging users to check for authenticity and report suspicious activity may become vital. Could more stringent security measures on social platforms be the answer? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: proactive measures are essential for anyone navigating the complex world of cryptocurrency.
Conclusion: Stay Alert and Engage Wisely
In conclusion, this incident underscores the importance of skepticism and vigilance in the face of increasing cyber threats. As scams become more nuanced and manipulative, it is imperative for users to engage wisely. Share your thoughts on this situation or any experiences you’ve had with crypto scams—let’s learn together and build a safer community.