We have all developed little shortcuts for deciding whether something online looks legitimate.You check the account name.
You recognize the company logo.Then you spot that verification badge and your guard comes down a little.
That can be exactly what scammers are counting on.Microsoft’s official X account became the latest reminder after attackers gained unauthorized access and used the account in an apparent cryptocurrency pump-and-dump scheme.The account has more than 13 million followers, giving whoever controlled it access to a huge audience and the credibility that comes with Microsoft’s name.Here is what happened, why compromised verified accounts can be so convincing and what you should check before trusting the next surprising post that shows up in your feed.Join us for a free CyberGuy LIVE class.Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares practical ways to stay safer, smarter and more confident with technology.
Explore classes on stopping spam, phone security, financial protection and using AI to get better health care .Each class is free, easy to follow and comes with a free printable checklist .See the classes and register at CyberGuyLive.com6 CRYPTO SCAM SCRIPTS CRIMINALS USE TO STEAL YOUR MONEYMicrosoft’s name and logo carry enormous trust, which is exactly why a compromised official account can make a scam look convincing.
(Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)BleepingComputer reported that Microsoft's @Microsoft account followed and reposted content from another X account that appeared to be Clippy-themed.That account was promoting a cryptocurrency called $Clippy.
Microsoft tells CyberGuy that two unauthorized posts appeared during the period when its account was compromised.According to the company, the first was a quote repost of content from what appeared to be a Clippy-themed account and referenced bringing back Microsoft Office's old animated paperclip character.
The second appeared to be an apology related to the earlier activity.Microsoft...