Google's security firm Mandiant has its Twitter account hacked

Hacker Dark Web
(Image credit: Pexels.com)

Mandiant, a Google-owned cybersecurity company, had its X account hijacked on January 3, and grappled to regain control of the social media account over several hours in a quite ironic incident.

An unknown scammer reportedly exploited the official Mandiant X account to spread a cryptocurrency-stealing link, designed to automatically drain crypto wallets.

Mandiant acknowledged the incident in a statement and announced efforts to regain control of the account, which was later done successfully.

Cybersecurity company faces cybersecurity blip

Initially posing as Phantom, a crypto and NFT wallet provider, the hacked account lured users to a scam website pretending to offer 250,000 eligible accounts an award of tokens.

Mandiant’s staff reportedly engaged in a back-and-forth struggle over several hours to remove scam posts, only for them to reappear.

The attacker also posted jovial threats on the account, targeted at the company’s social media team, including a meme with the comment “change password please” and another reading “check bookmarks when you get account back.”

Mandiant, known for helping clients to investigate and recover from significant network breaches, was acquired by Google in 2022 for $5.4 billion. The company’s reputation will undoubtedly take a hit from this short-lived but serious event.

Given the lack of a blue or gold checkmark, Google isn’t paying for any verification status on the Mandiant account like it does on some other Google accounts on X. It’s unclear how Mandiant’s social media workers regained control of the account, or whether subscribing to a paid account might have expedited the account recovery or prevented it altogether.

A Mandiant spokesperson told TechRadar Pro: "We are aware of the incident impacting the Mandiant X account. We've since regained control over the account and are currently working on restoring it."

More from TechRadar Pro

TOPICS
Craig Hale

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

Read more
Smartphone with new logo X twitter app background. Application twitter old blue bird change X black and white new.
Phishing campaign targets prominent X users, accounts at risk
Fraude en ligne phishing
Google Search ads are being hacked to steal account info
Computer Hacked, System Error, Virus, Cyber attack, Malware Concept. Danger Symbol
Google Chrome extensions targeted by hackers to steal user passwords
The X logo next to a silhouette of Elon Musk
Who was really behind the massive X cyberattack? Here’s what experts say about Elon Musk’s claims
Fraude en ligne phishing
Google forced to step up phishing defenses following ‘most sophisticated attack’ it has ever seen
A hand reaching out to touch a futuristic rendering of an AI processor.
Google says Gemini is being misused to launch major cyberattacks
Latest in Security
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
URL phishing
HaveIBeenPwned owner suffers phishing attack that stole his Mailchimp mailing list
Ransomware
Cl0p resurgence drives ransomware attacks to new highs in 2025
Google Chrome
Google Chrome security flaw could have let hackers spy on all your online habits
cybersecurity
Chinese government hackers allegedly spent years undetected in foreign phone networks
Data leak
A major Keenetic router data leak could put a million households at risk
Latest in News
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound
Google Maps on a phone being held in someone's hand
Google Maps is getting two key upgrades, for easier route planning and quicker access to Gemini AI