This morning, the well-known YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips or LTT was hacked, causing the channel’s 15.3 million subscribers to view videos promoting cryptocurrency scams instead of the usual tech hardware reviews. This latest security breach is part of a series of high-profile incidents in which scammers have been able to take over popular YouTube accounts, often changing their names and broadcasting live streams promoting crypto scams.
The method of breaching the channels remains unclear, but Linus Sebastian, the owner, acknowledged the situation on Twitter. In a subsequent statement on Floatplane, a streaming service under Linus Media Group, he revealed that the company is collaborating with Google to resolve the issue. He also stated that he plans to provide further information on the matter during the company’s podcast, although he cautioned that it may not happen this week as the situation is still unfolding.
Yes I know -_-
— Linus LinusMediaGroup (@linusgsebastian) March 23, 2023
Linus responds to YouTube account breach
It seems that the hackers have also taken over TechQuickie, an associated channel of LTT, and are sharing the same video under a different title. The situation is similar for Techlinked, which suggests that the hackers have managed to gain access to other channels owned by Linus Media Group.
For several months, these scams have been occurring, and a YouTuber has alleged that they are carried out through fake sponsors contacting content creators. The YouTubers are persuaded to download a file connected to the supposed sponsorship, which is actually malware meant to steal cookies, take remote control of computers, and ultimately take over their YouTube accounts.
