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Migos’ Instagram Hacked: Major Breach Linked to Solana Co-Founder
On May 27, the popular rap group Migos experienced a significant breach when hackers commandeered their official Instagram account. The attackers posted private documents related to Raj Gokal, co-founder of cryptocurrency platform Solana, apparently as a reprisal for his refusal to pay a ransom of 40 BTC, valued at roughly AU$4.3 million.
During the attack, numerous sensitive images were shared, including government IDs and passport pages associated with Gokal, along with someone identified only as “Arvind.” The hackers escalated their threat with a caption stating, “you should’ve paid the 40 BTC,” underscoring their dissatisfaction with Gokal’s unwillingness to comply with their demands.
Memecoin Scam and Mockery
As part of the breach, the hackers manipulated the account profile to promote a memecoin scam and shared links to Telegram channels. One of the posts even ridiculed Gokal’s investments in Solana, adding an ironic twist to an already troubling situation.
The content remained publicly accessible for roughly 90 minutes before being swiftly removed, according to reports from investor Andy and confirmation by on-chain analyst ZachXBT. The latter clarified that the hackers capitalised on vulnerabilities in Gokal’s email security rather than exploiting any recent leaks from Coinbase, which had faced a separate breach involving bribed support agents and significant financial losses projected at over AU$620 million.
Pre-Hack Warnings
Prior to the breach, Gokal had issued warnings about attempts to gain control over his email and social media accounts. In a post made on May 20, he advised followers to be cautious of any unusual activities linked to his profiles.
Following the Instagram incident, Gokal responded with a lighthearted remark on social media, humorously suggesting that being well-dressed in KYC (Know Your Customer) photos is advisable, as the reach of such images can extend beyond one’s immediate circle. This post serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks associated with digital identity and cryptocurrency.
Aftermath
Currently, Migos’ Instagram account is back to normal operations, and neither Gokal nor the Solana Foundation has issued further formal comments on the incident.
This situation highlights the growing prevalence of cyberattacks within the cryptocurrency realm and the importance for individuals and organisations to safeguard their digital platforms from potential threats. The incident also sheds light on the broader implications of hacking culture, including the ridicule and mockery often employed by malicious actors.
As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, the combination of security vulnerabilities and high-profile figures makes it increasingly critical for individuals to maintain robust cybersecurity practices.
