Twitter Accounts Hacked with Nazi Symbols Amid Rising Europe-Turkey Tensions
A wave of Twitter account breaches has targeted high-profile users, including celebrities and organizations, with unauthorized posts featuring swastikas and Nazi-related hashtags. The attacks coincide with escalating diplomatic tensions between Turkey and the Netherlands.
Key Details of the Hack
- Scope: Accounts of celebrities (e.g., actress Sarah Shahi), UNICEF, Amnesty International, Forbes, and social media professionals were compromised.
- Method: Hackers exploited Twitter Counter, a third-party analytics tool, to post inflammatory content in Turkish and alter profile pictures.
- Context: The breach follows Turkey’s accusations against the Netherlands for “Nazi-like” behavior after Dutch authorities blocked Turkish ministers from political rallies.
Image Credit: Sarah Shahi
How Twitter Counter Was Exploited
Twitter Counter, which provides follower analytics, requires users to grant posting permissions. While it doesn’t store passwords, its API access was abused to:
- Send unauthorized tweets.
- Modify profile images.
The company has since disabled posting capabilities and reset its API keys. This marks the second major breach linked to Twitter Counter after a November 2016 incident.
Security Recommendations
- Revoke Access: Users should immediately revoke Twitter Counter’s permissions.
- Audit Connected Apps: Remove unused or suspicious third-party services.
- Monitor Accounts: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
“Apologies for the Nazi spam. Hackers don’t have my password, but did hijack my account… Revoke access to Twitter Counter.”
— Graham Cluley, Security Expert (Tweet)
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the risks of third-party app integrations. Recent high-profile breaches, including attacks on Netflix, Mark Zuckerberg, and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, highlight the need for robust cybersecurity practices.
Why This Matters
- Political Sensitivity: The hack amplifies real-world tensions between nations.
- Trust in Platforms: Users may question the safety of linking third-party tools.
- Proactive Security: Regular permission audits are critical to prevent similar exploits.
For ongoing updates, follow verified security advisories and Twitter’s official communications.
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