A YouTube channel of rapper Northside Phao was unexpectedly compromised. The channel’s logo and banner image were replaced with those of the cryptocurrency company Strategy, a leading firm in the digital asset industry.
Northside Phao's YouTube Channel Hacked, Bitcoin Promotion Livestream – 1(Screenshot of Northside Phao’s compromised YouTube channel livestreaming cryptocurrency content.)
Simultaneously, the channel aired a livestream video promoting cryptocurrency. The video included a QR code leading to a website promising cryptocurrency rewards.
“In this exclusive event, you have the chance to receive a share of 1,000 BTC (Bitcoin) and 10,000 ETH (Ethereum). Check the rules, and don’t miss this opportunity. You can only participate once!” the website announced.
To claim the reward, users were prompted to send cryptocurrency to a specified wallet address. The website also falsely promised double the reward for following their instructions.
This is a common tactic used by hackers to target users. They hijack the channels of influencers to broadcast fraudulent livestreams and steal assets.
In 2024, several popular YouTube channels, such as Mixi Gaming (over 7.33 million subscribers) and Thế Nhân Vlogs (over 1.21 million subscribers), experienced similar attacks, with hackers using the channels to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.
Currently, Northside Phao’s YouTube channel, with over 650,000 subscribers, hasn’t had its videos removed or hidden, unlike some affected channels.
