Rapper Drake’s X Account Hacked to do the unexpected
Rapper Drake became the latest victim of cybercrime when hackers gained access to his X account (formerly known as Twitter) to promote a fraudulent memecoin. The fake token, called ANITA, was based on the Solana blockchain and caught the attention of Drake’s 39 million followers. The scam managed to generate a trading volume of $5 million before the fraud was exposed.
Details of the Hacking Incident
The hacking took place during the night of December 14 to 15, when cybercriminals hijacked Drake’s account. They used the platform to post messages endorsing the ANITA token. The token’s name is a nod to a fictional character Drake created, Anita Max Wynn, as part of a humorous portrayal of his love for gambling. The phrase “I need a max win”—a popular gambling term—was cleverly woven into the scam, making it appear authentic to fans.
Adding to the credibility of the scam, the hackers falsely claimed the meme coin was created in collaboration with Stake, a cryptocurrency betting platform that Drake regularly endorses. They also tied the token to Drake’s upcoming Anita Max Wynn Tour, set to take place in Australia and New Zealand in 2025.
Impact of the Scam
The fraudulent token initially garnered significant attention, as reflected in the $5 million trading volume, according to data from DexScreener. While the posts promoting the scam have since been removed, the incident highlights the growing risk of celebrity accounts being exploited for fraudulent purposes.
Not Drake’s First Encounter with Scammers
Unfortunately, Drake is not the first celebrity to face such issues. In recent weeks, hackers have also targeted the X accounts of other stars like Cardi B, Doja Cat, and Metallica. Even the Cardano Foundation’s official account fell victim to similar attacks. These high-profile hacks underline the importance of stronger cybersecurity measures on social platforms, especially for individuals with massive followings.
Cybersecurity Concerns for Public Figures
The hacking of Drake’s X account serves as a wake-up call for celebrities and social media platforms alike. Public figures are prime targets for cybercriminals due to their influence over millions of followers. Hackers exploit this trust to execute scams, often leading to financial losses and reputational damage.
To prevent such incidents, experts emphasize the importance of enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), monitoring account activity, and educating users about recognizing phishing attempts.
The hacking of Drake’s X account to promote a fake memecoin is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present on social media platforms. With the scam amassing a $5 million trading volume before being detected, it underscores the urgency for enhanced digital security. As celebrities like Drake, Cardi B, and Doja Cat continue to face similar threats, social media companies must prioritize safeguarding user accounts from malicious attacks.
For fans and followers, staying vigilant and verifying information before acting is critical in avoiding scams propagated through hacked celebrity accounts. Drake’s incident is a cautionary tale for everyone in the digital age.
