NEWYou now have the option to listen to articles from Fox News!
While browsing X (formerly Twitter), you may stumble upon Elmo, the beloved red monster adored by kids and parents, sharing positive, family-oriented content. However, the official Elmo account recently shocked users by posting hate speech, racist language, and political attacks. This unexpected breach turned a cherished feed into a source of confusion and pain.
Sesame Workshop, the organization behind Elmo, acted quickly to remove the offensive posts. Nonetheless, the damage had already been done for millions of fans. This was more than just a typical hack. It symbolized the digital vandalism of one of the world’s most trusted childhood figures. This event highlights that in today’s cyber world, no account, no matter how secure it seems, is safe from attackers.
Social media cybersecurity risks for trusted brands
Hackers seek attention and reach, and few targets offer more than a beloved global brand. When attackers take control of an account with hundreds of thousands of followers, they can quickly spread their message, whether it’s misinformation, hate speech, or harassment. The Elmo incident wasn’t about stealing data or holding accounts for ransom; it was about causing chaos, spreading discord, and shattering trust.
For years, Elmo’s online presence was associated with joy and support. With a single breach, that reputation was tarnished as followers questioned how such negativity could emerge from a character they trusted. Brand reputation, built over decades, was compromised in mere minutes.
As Sesame Workshop emphasized, “Elmo’s X account was briefly hacked by an outside party despite the security measures in place. We strongly denounce the abhorrent antisemitic and racist content, and the account has now been secured. These posts do not reflect the values of Sesame Workshop or Sesame Street, and no one from the organization was involved.”
Why social media accounts get hacked (even with “strong” security)
To gain a better understanding of the situation, we spoke with Daniel Tobok, CEO of Cypfer, a prominent global cybersecurity and incident response company. With over 30 years of experience in guiding organizations through major cyber events, Daniel shed light on the issue.
“Unfortunately, many credentials are harvested and traded on the dark web between various threat actor groups, regardless of strong passwords or multi-factor authentication barriers. Once these passwords are acquired, they are exchanged or sold,” explained Daniel.
While brute-force attacks still occur, most criminals opt for simpler methods: obtaining passwords from previous breaches, targeting users directly, or hijacking password vaults, especially those managed by social media administrators.
“Brute-force attacks generate a lot of noise and can trigger alerts. It’s not the most popular strategy anymore because it’s too conspicuous,” added Tobok.
Warning signs your social media account may be hacked
Unfortunately, there may not be a clear indication that your account is under threat.
Tobok noted, “There isn’t public-facing software that notifies you. Sometimes, you might receive an email stating, ‘We detected unusual activity. Was this you?’ Typically, this notification comes through multi-factor authentication channels. However, most executives do not manage their own social media accounts. It’s usually a team member or designated admin. Therefore, if something goes wrong, they may not be the first to notice.”
Hackers can even establish rules that redirect security notifications away from your inbox, leaving you unaware of any issues until it’s too late.
Common social media security mistakes to avoid
Hackers rely on people becoming complacent. Daniel highlighted pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Failure to verify your account
- Reusing or not updating passwords
- Skipping multi-factor authentication
- Assuming “it won’t happen to us”
Most alarmingly, Daniel emphasized, “The majority of people’s information has likely been compromised at some point. There are over 4.8 billion passwords circulating on the dark web currently. Lastly, never reuse the same password across multiple platforms. While it may be tedious, this is essential for proper security.”
What to do if your social media is compromised
Act swiftly. Here’s Daniel’s step-by-step plan:
“If you still have access, change your password immediately. Most threat actors, upon gaining access, will promptly change the password and associated email to take full control. If you’re locked out, contact the platform and provide evidence that the account is yours. Request that they either shut it down or assist in recovering it. The good news is that most platforms act swiftly, particularly if you report offensive or racist content being posted from your account.”
Key steps to protect your social media accounts
Safeguarding your social media accounts is crucial. Follow these steps to enhance your cybersecurity and prevent hackers from gaining unauthorized access:
1. Use strong, unique passwords
Generate passwords with a minimum of nine characters, incorporating uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across different platforms, and update them regularly for optimal security. Consider utilizing a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Always activate multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection to your login process. This makes it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to access your account, even if your password is compromised.
3. Set up alerts for suspicious login activity
Utilize account alerts and restrict unsuccessful login attempts to promptly identify intruders. Regularly review these alerts to respond swiftly if any suspicious activity is detected.
4. Verify your accounts with the platform
Apply for official account verification whenever feasible to enhance security and simplify the recovery process. Verification can also deter impersonation and foster trust with your audience.
5. Update account recovery information
Ensure that your recovery email and phone number are up to date to facilitate account recovery if necessary. Outdated information could prevent you from regaining access when it’s most needed.
6. Review third-party app access
Remove apps or services that are no longer in use, as they can become vulnerabilities if compromised. Regularly inspect connected apps to prevent your data from being exposed through unused integrations.
7. Back up your content and followers
Utilize platform features or trusted tools to back up essential data in case of account loss or lockout. This simple measure can be a lifesaver in the event of losing access or accidental data deletion.
8. Use robust antivirus software
Install reliable antivirus software on all devices used to access social media platforms. Regular updates and real-time scanning safeguard you from malware and phishing attempts that could compromise your accounts.
9. Consider a data removal service
Reduce your digital footprint and minimize risk by employing services that eliminate your personal information from data brokers and people search sites, especially following a breach. These services make it harder for criminals to gather sensitive data for social engineering attacks.
10. Conduct regular security settings audits
Periodically review your social media privacy and security settings to ensure they align with your current requirements. Platforms frequently introduce new settings and features, so staying updated is essential for optimal protection.
11. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi
Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi networks or use a VPN for added security. Public networks increase the risk of hackers intercepting your information.
12. Promptly revoke access for former employees or admins
Regularly monitor account access and revoke permissions for individuals who no longer require them. This ensures that only trusted individuals can post or make changes on your behalf.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Elmo hack did more than disrupt a cheerful digital persona. It served as a reminder that no brand, regardless of its trustworthiness, is immune to modern cybersecurity threats. In a world where trust is built and lost in an instant, safeguarding our digital presence has never been more critical. Social media security is a shared responsibility. Take proactive measures before becoming the next cautionary tale in cybersecurity.
Do you believe social media companies are taking adequate steps to protect users and brands from evolving cybersecurity threats? Share your thoughts with us at CyberGuy.com/Contact.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Receive my top tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals directly to your inbox. Additionally, gain instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – available for free when you subscribe to my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
