Lots of people end up having their accounts hacked, and the latest person to fall victim to hackers is Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who had his Twitter account hacked.
Last week, the Twitter CEO’s own account was hacked, and a number of tweets were sent from the account, including racist messages. This incident has raised significant concerns about the security measures in place, especially when the CEO of a major social media platform is targeted.
Details of the Hack
Twitter confirmed the account had been hacked and said it was related to his mobile phone and not to Twitter’s own security. The breach was traced back to a vulnerability with the mobile provider, which allowed unauthorized access to Dorsey’s account.
The phone number associated with the account was compromised due to a security oversight by the mobile provider. This allowed an unauthorized person to compose and send tweets via text message from the phone number. That issue is now resolved.
— Twitter Comms (@TwitterComms) August 31, 2019
The method used in this hack is known as SIM swapping or SIM jacking. This technique involves tricking the mobile provider into transferring the victim’s phone number to a new SIM card controlled by the hacker. Once the phone number is transferred, the hacker can receive text messages and calls intended for the victim, including two-factor authentication codes.
Implications and Preventive Measures
It is slightly unfortunate that Twitter’s own CEO managed to have their account hacked. The hack was apparently done by the same group which has recently hacked a number of prominent accounts. This incident highlights the importance of robust security measures, not just for social media platforms but also for mobile providers.
To prevent such incidents, users are encouraged to:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use an authentication app rather than SMS-based 2FA to avoid vulnerabilities associated with SIM swapping.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Ensure that passwords are complex and not reused across multiple sites.
3. Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check for any unauthorized activity on your accounts.
4. Contact Mobile Providers: Request additional security measures, such as PINs or passwords, to be added to your mobile account.
This incident also serves as a reminder for companies to continuously review and update their security protocols. Mobile providers, in particular, need to be vigilant about SIM swapping and implement stricter verification processes to prevent unauthorized transfers.
Broader Context and Examples
The hacking of high-profile accounts is not a new phenomenon. In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg’s Twitter and Pinterest accounts were hacked due to a password leak from a previous LinkedIn breach. Similarly, in 2020, several high-profile Twitter accounts, including those of Barack Obama, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates, were hacked in a Bitcoin scam.
These incidents underscore the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for constant vigilance. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by hackers. Therefore, it is crucial for both individuals and organizations to stay informed about the latest security threats and adopt best practices to safeguard their digital presence.
The hacking of Jack Dorsey’s Twitter account serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in our digital world. While the issue has been resolved, it highlights the need for continuous improvement in security measures to protect against future attacks. By taking proactive steps, we can better safeguard our accounts and personal information from malicious actors.
Source: The Verge
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