New York Post X account hacked in high-profile breach, triggers cybersecurity scrutiny

The New York Post X account (formerly Twitter) was compromised this week in a coordinated breach that has raised fresh concerns about the cybersecurity vulnerabilities facing major media organizations. The unauthorized access, which resulted in the publication of false and misleading posts, was quickly contained—but not before drawing widespread attention.

In the aftermath, cybersecurity experts and media watchdogs have pointed to the incident as a critical reminder of the growing threats targeting digital communication channels. The breach has already prompted internal audits and policy updates, with other news organizations reportedly reviewing their own security protocols in response.

Despite the challenges posed by the New York Post X account breach, the situation has catalyzed a series of positive actions to strengthen cybersecurity protocols.

Here are the key steps to enhance digital security in the wake of the New York Post X account incident.

Immediate revocation of unauthorized access

Upon detecting the breach, swift action was taken to revoke unauthorized access to the New York Post X account. This prompt response minimized potential damage and prevented further unauthorized activities.

To bolster security, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has been implemented for the New York Post X account. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the account.

A thorough security audit is underway to identify and address vulnerabilities that led to X accountbreach. This audit will inform future strategies to prevent similar incidents.

Cybersecurity engineer and NFT collector “Drew” noted that the scammers blocked users from replying to these messages, preventing the real New York Post X account team from being alerted to the breach. This strategy allowed the hackers to operate undetected for a longer period. 

Further reports indicated that the scammers employed sophisticated techniques, such as initiating fake interviews via Zoom.

Victims were prompted to enable audio, which led to pop-ups offering options like “cancel” or “WiFi.” Selecting “WiFi” potentially granted the scammers access to the user’s network. 

This breach of the New York Post X account serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats. Crypto users, in particular, must remain vigilant and adopt robust security practices to safeguard their assets and personal information

Staff training on cybersecurity best practices

Recognizing the human element in cybersecurity, staff associated with the New York Post X account are receiving training on best practices.

On May 3, cybersecurity experts, including Kerberus CEO Alex Katz, reported that the New York Post X account was sending unsolicited messages to crypto users, inviting them to participate in a podcast.

These messages, purportedly from journalist Paul Sperry, directed recipients to continue the conversation on Telegram, a common tactic used in phishing schemes

This education aims to empower employees to recognize and respond to potential threats effectively.

The New York Post is collaborating with cybersecurity experts to develop and implement advanced security measures for the New York Post X account.

This partnership ensures access to the latest knowledge and technologies in digital security. Through immediate action, enhanced security protocols, comprehensive audits, staff training, and expert collaboration, the organization is taking proactive steps to safeguard its digital assets.

These measures address the current situation and lay the groundwork for a more secure digital future. The Bit Gazette will continue to observe the market and report as events unfold.