A British man has pleaded guilty to participating in a massive Twitter hack that targeted celebrities, politicians, and businesses in 2020.
In July 2020, over 130 Twitter accounts, including those of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Kim Kardashian, and Kanye West, were compromised.
The hackers used social engineering techniques to access Twitter’s internal systems. They posted tweets requesting followers to send Bitcoin to a specific address and promised to double the amount sent.
Victims affected by the scam generated nearly $117,000 in Bitcoin. The hack also raised security concerns about Twitter’s ability to protect its users and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Behind-the-SchemesÂ
The Briton who pled guilty is 23-year-old Joseph James O’Connor, also known as PlugwalkJoe. He faced extradition from Spain in April 2021 on multiple counts of computer intrusion, extortion, stalking, wire fraud, and money laundering.
He confessed to his involvement in the hack of Twitter and other hacking schemes involving SIM swapping, cyberstalking, and swatting.
O’Connor was not the only person involved in the Twitter hack. US authorities also charged three other men: Graham Ivan Clark, 19, of Florida; Mason Sheppard, 23, of Bognor Regis, UK; and Nima Fazeli, 23, of Orlando, Florida.
In March 2021, Clark pled guilty and was sentenced to three years in juvenile detention. Sheppard and Fazeli are awaiting trial.
Legal Implications of the Hack
O’Connor could receive a prison sentence of more than 70 years for his crimes. A judge will sentence him on February 16, 2022.
Following the terms of his plea agreement, he must also forfeit any cryptocurrencies and other assets obtained through his hacking activities.
Twitter has also taken measures to enhance its security and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The company stated that it implemented additional employee safeguards, improved its detection and monitoring systems, and restricted access to sensitive information.
The Twitter breach also highlighted risks and challenges associated with managing social media platforms with millions of users and influence over public opinion and markets.
The incident sparked debates about the responsibility and accountability of tech companies to protect their users and prevent abuse.