Microsoft’s Official X Account Compromised in Crypto Promotion Scam

Microsoft’s verified account on the social platform X, which boasts more than 13 million followers, was seized by unknown actors on Thursday and used to push a cryptocurrency token in a classic pump‑and‑dump maneuver.

The hijackers posted promotional material that encouraged users to buy the token, promising rapid gains before abruptly disappearing from the account. Within hours, the illicit campaign appeared to have been halted, and the account was restored to Microsoft’s control, though the platform has not disclosed the method used to regain access.

Security analysts say the attack follows a familiar pattern in which high‑profile social media accounts are compromised to lend credibility to fraudulent investment schemes. By leveraging Microsoft’s brand reputation and the massive reach of its X profile, the perpetrators hoped to amplify the token’s visibility and drive up its price before selling their holdings.

Microsoft has not yet released an official statement detailing the breach or its investigation, but the company’s cybersecurity teams are expected to conduct a thorough review. In similar incidents, corporations have traced the intrusion to compromised employee credentials or phishing attacks that grant attackers administrative privileges on social‑media management tools.

The episode underscores the broader vulnerability of large corporate accounts on X, a platform that has grappled with misinformation and security challenges since its rebranding from Twitter. Regulators in several jurisdictions have warned that pump‑and‑dump schemes, especially those promoted on social media, can distort markets and harm unsuspecting investors.

Law enforcement agencies are reportedly looking into the case, and the token’s developers have denied any affiliation with Microsoft. As the investigation proceeds, experts advise users to treat unsolicited cryptocurrency promotions, even when they appear to come from reputable sources, with skepticism and to verify claims through independent channels.