KBC X Account Hacked By Cryptocurrency Scammers

The official X account of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), known by its handle @kbcchannel1, has been hacked. Reports emerging late on January 31, 2025, Eastern African Time (EAT), indicate that the account has been taken over by hackers promoting what appears to be a cryptocurrency scam.

Active X users quickly noticed unusual activity when the KBC account began posting content unrelated to its usual news broadcasts. Instead, the account started sharing information about a cryptocurrency scheme, raising concerns among followers.

The scammers swiftly changed the handle to DeepseekOnSoI. DeepSeek is the name of a free AI-powered chatbot, which looks, feels and works very much like ChatGPT.

Numerous posts from Kenyan users on X expressed surprise and alarm over the sudden shift in the account’s behavior. Many speculated that the hackers were using KBC’s platform to lure unsuspecting individuals into investing in a potentially fraudulent cryptocurrency venture.

This incident is part of a growing global trend where high-profile social media accounts, including those on YouTube, X, and other platforms, are hijacked for similar fraudulent activities. Cybersecurity experts have long warned about the increasing sophistication of such scams, where attackers often rebrand accounts to impersonate well-known entities or celebrities to gain trust and credibility.

Scammers would also hold the accounts until they’re paid. Ransomware is common especially with big corporates that are targeted by hackers and part with millions.

How Scammers Hack X Accounts

According to cybersecurity trends, the attack method often involves phishing emails or malware designed to steal session cookies. This allows hackers to bypass even two-factor authentication measures. Once they gain control, the account is used to broadcast live streams or posts promising high returns on cryptocurrency investments. However, the funds ultimately disappear into the hands of the scammers.

As of the time of publication, KBC has yet to release an official statement regarding the hack. However, the Communications Authority of Kenya and the ICT Ministry have been tagged in several posts on X, with users calling for swift action to mitigate further damage and investigate the breach.

The account remains compromised, but sources indicate that KBC’s technical team is working to regain control.

KBC is Kenya’s official national broadcaster and a trusted source of news for millions of Kenyans. This incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect digital assets and maintain public trust.