Media and Entertainment
Source : (remove) : Washington Examiner
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Media and Entertainment
Source : (remove) : Washington Examiner
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Greg Gutfeld's X Account Hacked in Crypto Scam

New York, NY - February 7, 2026 - Prominent Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld's X (formerly Twitter) account fell victim to a hacking incident on Saturday, mirroring a disturbing and increasingly common trend of social media account compromises leveraged for cryptocurrency scams. X confirmed the breach, stating that its security team swiftly investigated the matter after an unauthorized message was posted to Gutfeld's account.

The compromised post falsely claimed Gutfeld was donating Bitcoin to a series of digital addresses, actively soliciting donations from his followers. This tactic is a hallmark of a sophisticated phishing scheme designed to exploit the trust users place in verified accounts. Gutfeld quickly took to the platform, confirming the hack and issuing a clear warning to his audience: "My account was hacked. We've secured it. Don't send any Bitcoin to anyone."

While Gutfeld's team was able to regain control relatively quickly, the incident highlights the persistent vulnerabilities within X's security infrastructure and the escalating threat posed by malicious actors targeting high-profile accounts. This isn't an isolated event; X has experienced numerous account compromises in recent years, sparking ongoing criticism and demands for enhanced security protocols.

The Rise of Crypto-Related Hacking on Social Media

The tactic of hijacking verified social media accounts to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes has surged in popularity over the past two years. Hackers often target accounts with large followings, particularly those associated with public figures, journalists, and influencers. The reasoning is simple: a post from a trusted source endorsing a cryptocurrency or soliciting donations carries far more weight with unsuspecting users than a random advertisement.

These scams typically operate by mimicking legitimate giveaways or promotions. The hacked account posts links to fake websites or QR codes that direct users to malicious wallets controlled by the hackers. Victims who send cryptocurrency to these addresses have little to no chance of recovering their funds. The amounts stolen can range from a few dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the victim's wealth and the credibility of the hacked account.

Security experts point to a variety of factors contributing to this rise in crypto-related hacking. The increasing value of cryptocurrencies makes them an attractive target for criminals. Simultaneously, the relatively unregulated nature of the crypto market provides a fertile ground for scams and money laundering. Phishing attacks, where hackers trick users into revealing their login credentials, remain a primary method of gaining access to accounts.

X's Security Record Under Scrutiny

This latest incident with Greg Gutfeld's account adds to a growing list of security failures on X. Since Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform in 2022, there have been numerous reports of account compromises, data breaches, and the proliferation of misinformation. Critics argue that the significant staff reductions within X's security teams, coupled with a focus on new features over fundamental security improvements, have created a more vulnerable platform.

While X has implemented some security measures, such as two-factor authentication, these features are often insufficient to prevent determined hackers. Experts suggest that X needs to invest in more robust security infrastructure, including advanced threat detection systems, enhanced account monitoring, and proactive vulnerability assessments. Furthermore, the platform needs to improve its response time to security incidents and provide better support for affected users.

Protecting Yourself From Social Media Scams

Users can take several steps to protect themselves from falling victim to these types of scams. Firstly, always be skeptical of unsolicited offers or promotions, especially those involving cryptocurrency. Verify the authenticity of any account making such claims by checking for the official verification badge and cross-referencing information on other reliable sources.

Never send cryptocurrency to an address provided by someone you don't fully trust. Be wary of QR codes, as they can be easily manipulated to redirect you to malicious websites. Enable two-factor authentication on all of your social media accounts and use strong, unique passwords. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the platform immediately.

The Greg Gutfeld hack serves as a stark reminder that social media platforms remain vulnerable to attack, and users must exercise caution and vigilance to protect their digital assets.


Read the Full Washington Examiner Article at:
[ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/entertainment/4450128/greg-gutfeld-x-account-hacked-phishing-scam/ ]