Hackers compromised the Supreme Court of India’s official YouTube channel to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme involving Ripple’s XRP token.

The Incident

The channel was taken over on September 20 and was quickly rebranded. The hackers used it to livestream a fake video featuring Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, encouraging viewers to invest in the scam. The India Times reported that the hackers changed the channel’s name and deleted all previous videos to make the scam seem legitimate. The livestream also included phishing links asking viewers to connect their cryptocurrency wallets.

Hackers took over the Indian Supreme Court’s YouTube! Renamed it to a Ripple account & ran a deepfake of Ripple’s CEO, promoting a fake token scam for high profits.

How the Scam Worked

Once connected, hackers could take control of the wallets and steal funds without needing further permission from the user. One of the YouTube video’s icons read, “Ripple will hit $2 this month.”

YouTube quickly responded by removing the channel, citing violations of its community guidelines. This is not the first time hackers have used popular platforms like YouTube to promote cryptocurrency scams.

Implications for India

In India, where the Supreme Court’s YouTube account was used to stream live hearings of major cases, the hack was especially concerning due to the court’s prominence. This breach highlights growing concerns over online security, particularly as more public institutions use digital platforms to engage with the public.

Previous Incidents

Cryptocurrency scams often take advantage of people’s unfamiliarity with digital currencies like XRP, created by Ripple Labs to facilitate cross-border payments. Hackers target high-profile platforms to add a veneer of credibility to their scams.

In July 2023, Attorney Jeremy Hogan’s Twitter account was hacked and used to promote fake XRP giveaways linked to the Ripple vs. SEC case. Fellow lawyers Jesse Hynes and James Filan warned the public about the compromised account and advised caution.

Security Tips

To protect yourself from such scams, consider the following tips:

  • Always verify the source of the information before making any investments.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited messages or links asking you to connect your cryptocurrency wallet.
  • Use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
  • Stay informed about the latest security threats and scams in the cryptocurrency space.

Stay tuned for more news and updates on cryptocurrency and online security.

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