YouTube Accounts of Several Crypto Influencers Hacked

The official YouTube channels of several top cryptocurrency influencers were hacked on Sunday to post unauthorized videos asking for cryptocurrencies from followers.

The compromised YouTube channels include BitBoy Crypto, Altcoin Buzz, Ivan on Tech, The Moon and a few others. Additionally, the security of the account of boxing champion, Floyd Mayweather was breached to post unauthorized videos.

Many Crypto Youtubers (including me) got hacked today - all publishing a scam video at around the same time - @IvanOnTech @aantonop @Bitboy_Crypto @Altcoinbuzzio @FloydMayweather @crypto_banter @CoinMarketCap
I have 2FA enabled. pic.twitter.com/c8z5qmJ3bT

— Boxmining (@boxmining) January 23, 2022

The hackers shared a Binance Smart Chain video with unauthorized videos to receive cryptocurrencies from victims. However, that address only had a total of nine transactions worth a value of $850.

Another Hack

Interestingly, these types of scams are not new, as dozens of fraudulent YouTube channels continuously stream videos of interviews and discussions with known personalities, usually asking for cryptocurrencies from viewers to participate in giveaways.

However, most of the YouTubers were quick enough to take down the unauthorized videos within minutes. But, it is uncertain if any of their followers fell victim to the scam. Moreover, many are holding Youtube accountable for security breaches.

Though the exact technique used by the hackers to get hold of the Youtube channels is not known as yet, some are pointing out that the hackers used the SIM Swap tactic to bypass the two-factor authentication. But, others are not convinced that it couple be a SIM Swap attack.

Unlike YouTube, attacks on Twitter accounts are very common. Over the years, the official Twitter handles of several state leaders, company CEOs and even tech companies were compromised to post about fraudulent crypto giveaways.

Earlier, several YouTube took down the videos of several top crypto channels without any warnings, only to restore them later. The video platform even cut short live streams of crypto influencers several times.