Posted on August 1, 2020 at 3:05 PM
Mastermind behind Twitter hack found: It’s a teen from Florida
Around two weeks ago, Twitter experienced what is likely the worst hack in its history. Countless high-profile accounts were hacked, including Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Kim Kardashian, Joe Biden, Kanye West, YouTuber MrBeast, and many others.
The point of the attack, as many likely remember, is a Bitcoin oriented scam. Hackers hijacked all of these, and many other accounts, just so they could post links to their crypto wallets. In addition, they promised to return any and all payments they received, and pay twice as much in return.
With such tweets coming from highly-respected individuals, many crypto users fell for the scam. Meanwhile, Twitter learned of the attack and its team worked for hours to stop it and ensure that there was no malware infection or some other danger that could harm the company or its users.
Following the hack, many have launched a manhunt after the hacker who hijacked so many accounts, including TRON CEO, Justin Sun.
Now, two weeks later, the authorities finally managed to track down notorious hackers. However, what they found was not exactly what they expected.
Twitter hackers were finally identified
According to new reports, three people are believed to be responsible for the hack, one of which was a 17-year-old from Florida. The teen, Graham Ivan Clark, was allegedly the mastermind behind the attack, himself. Due to his actions, Clark is now facing 30 state felony charges. Not only that, but it is still possible that federal charges might be filed against him, as well.
While Clark is still a minor, he will still be charged as an adult, according to Florida law. The law allows this exception in cases involving financial fraud cases.
The other individuals who were also charged include Mason Sheppard, of Bognor Regis, UK, as well as Nima Fazeli of Orlando.
Sheppard was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, as well as intentional access of a protected computer. Fazeli, on the other hand, is being charged by federal authorities. The charges include aiding and abetting the intentional access of protected computers.
Hacking is not without consequences
US Attorney David L. Anderson also commented on the incident, stating that many in the hacker community believe that breaches like these can be done anonymously, and with no consequences. However, he claims that there is nothing stealthy about it.
“Today’s charging announcement demonstrates that the elation of nefarious hacking into a secure environment for fun or profit will be short-lived,” he added. In short, he warned any and all would-be offenders that, if they break the law, the law enforcement will find them.
According to Hillsborough state attorney, Andrew Warren, the state of Florida is not looking kindly on their citizen’s actions. He said “This ‘Bit-Con’ was designed to steal money from regular Americans from all over the country, including here in Florida. This massive fraud was orchestrated right here in our backyard, and we will not stand for that.”
Clark was arrested yesterday morning, after two weeks of thorough and intensive investigation by various government agencies. Those included the FBI, Secret Service, the IRS, as well as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. However, despite everything, his mother, Emiliya Clark, believes that her son is innocent.
