The verified X account, formerly known as Twitter of Ghana’s President John Mahama was hacked, leading to the promotion of a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme that misled many unsuspecting individuals.
This alarming incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of prominent figures in Africa to cybercriminal activities, particularly in the realm of digital currencies, where scams are becoming more sophisticated and widespread.
As a result, it raises serious concerns about the safety and security of online platforms used by influential leaders and public figures.
Key Takeaways
- John Mahama’s X account was hacked to promote a fake cryptocurrency project.
- The fraudulent posts claimed the project was endorsed by Mahama.
- Cybersecurity experts warn of rising crypto scams targeting public figures.
- Stronger online security measures are recommended for high-profile individuals.
The Hacking Incident
On a weekend in October, the X account of John Mahama was compromised, with hackers using it to promote a non-existent cryptocurrency initiative called Solanafrica.
The posts falsely claimed that Mahama was leading this project, which purported to facilitate free payments across Africa using the Solana blockchain.
The fraudulent content was quickly deleted once Mahama’s team became aware of the breach. However, the account continued to share crypto-related content, raising concerns about the integrity of the account even after the initial posts were removed.
Response from Mahama’s Team
Kwakye Ofosu, Mahama’s spokesperson, confirmed that immediate action was taken to regain control of the account. He reassured the public that the account had been restored and urged followers to ignore any suspicious cryptocurrency-related posts that may have appeared during the breach.
The Growing Threat of Crypto Scams
This incident is part of a larger trend of increasing cybercrime targeting high-profile individuals in Africa. As digital assets gain popularity, the region has seen a surge in scams, often due to inadequate regulatory frameworks.
Cybercriminals frequently hijack verified social media accounts of influential figures to promote fake investment opportunities.
Notably, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In July 2023, South African opposition leader Julius Malema’s account was hacked for a similar purpose, and in 2022, Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu’s account was compromised to promote fake crypto giveaways.
Cybersecurity Recommendations
The breach has raised alarms among cybersecurity experts, who emphasize the need for prominent figures, especially politicians, to enhance their online security measures.
Abubakar Issaka, a cybersecurity expert at Ghana’s Centre for Cyberwatch and Data Protection, provided several recommendations:
- Implement Strong Security Protocols: Two-factor authentication is no longer sufficient; more robust measures are needed.
- Monitor Login Activities: Regularly check for any unusual login attempts or activities.
- Limit Third-Party App Access: Restrict access to only trusted applications.
- 24/7 Account Surveillance: Establish a dedicated team to monitor accounts continuously for suspicious activities.
Conclusion
The hacking of John Mahama’s account serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures in the digital age. As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to rise in Africa, so too does the risk of scams.
It is crucial for individuals in the public eye to adopt stringent security measures to protect themselves and their followers from potential fraud.