Introduction In a recent cyberattack, the official Microsoft India X account fell victim to cryptocurrency scammers. The account, boasting over 211,000 followers, was hijacked by individuals impersonating Roaring Kitty, the pseudonym of well-known meme stock trader Keith Gill. The scammers exploited the account’s credibility, marked with a gold check indicating official verification, to promote a fraudulent scheme.

The Scam: GameStop (GME) Crypto Presales

The hijacked account was used to reply to tweets, directing followers and other users to a malicious website. This site falsely claimed to offer presales of GameStop (GME) crypto. Unsuspecting victims who connected their cryptocurrency wallets to this phishing site risked having their assets stolen.

cybersecurity breach

The SIM-Swapping Attack Angle

Experts suspect that the breach may have resulted from a SIM-swapping attack. This technique exploits weaknesses in two-factor authentication by taking control of a phone number associated with the targeted account. Scammers can then bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access.

Growing Trend of Verified Accounts Targeted by Scammers

This incident highlights the trend of verified accounts, including those of major companies and crypto influencers, being targeted by scammers. These fraudsters lure users into fake promotions, endangering their assets. Vigilance and caution are crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of crypto security.

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