Minister Lucy Powell’s X Account Hacked to Promote Cryptocurrency Scam
Date: October 17, 2024
In a concerning incident highlighting the ongoing threat of cybercrime, Lucy Powell, a British government minister, had her X account (formerly known as Twitter) hacked this week. The breach was used to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency named “$HCC,” falsely branded as a "community-driven digital currency" linked to the House of Commons.
Details of the Hack
The unauthorized posts, which have since been deleted, boasted about the cryptocurrency and featured an image of the House of Commons logo. Following the hack, Powell’s office confirmed that immediate steps were taken to secure her account and remove the misleading content.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester Central, who has approximately 70,000 followers on X, serves as the Leader of the House of Commons, a position responsible for overseeing the government’s legislative agenda and representing backbench MPs. The illicit activity serves as a reminder of how high-profile accounts can be targeted by cybercriminals looking to promote scams.
Cybersecurity Concerns
This incident is part of a larger pattern, as other public figures have faced similar hacking attempts. Notably, BBC journalist Nick Robinson recently reported that his X account was compromised for a cryptocurrency scam involving a fake currency named "$Today."
Cybersecurity experts suggest that phishing emails are often the method by which hackers gain access to accounts. These emails typically contain links designed to gather user credentials or lead to unauthorized access. Additionally, accounts may be hacked through leaked information related to past data breaches. Once control is established, hackers can create a cryptocurrency in a matter of hours, using the identities of trusted individuals to lend credibility to their scams.
Luke Nolan, a senior research associate at CoinShares, described the style of scam Powell’s account fell victim to as “pump and dump.” This term refers to a strategy where scammers inflate the perceived value of a cryptocurrency to lure investors before cashing out, leaving these assets worthless. Nolan noted that there had only been 34 transactions related to the $HCC cryptocurrency, resulting in a meager profit of about £225. #### Response from Authorities
A spokesman for the House of Commons emphasized the institution’s commitment to cybersecurity, stating, "UK Parliament takes cyber security extremely seriously." The spokesman further noted that while they provide guidance to MPs to enhance their digital safety, specific details regarding security policies are not publicly disclosed.
Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime, reported a significant rise in hacked social media and email accounts during 2024, receiving over 35,000 reports. They recommend implementing two-step verification on accounts and utilizing strong, unique passwords composed of three random words to enhance security against such attacks.
Conclusion
The hacking of Lucy Powell’s account underscores the importance of vigilance regarding online security, especially for public figures who may become targets due to their prominence. With the continued rise in cybercrime focused on cryptocurrencies, both individuals and institutions are urged to take proactive measures to protect their digital identities.
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