In a coordinated cyberattack on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the official social media accounts of major sports organizations, including the NBA and NASCAR, were compromised to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.
The breaches involved unauthorized announcements of fake digital currencies, misleading fans and followers.
NBA’s Social Media Breach
The NBA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account was hijacked to declare the launch of “$NBA Coin,” purportedly built on the Solana blockchain. The deceptive message highlighted features like “lightning-fast transactions” and “unparalleled security,” aiming to lend credibility to the scam. An NBA spokesperson confirmed the hack, and the misleading posts were promptly removed.
NASCAR’s Social Media Compromise
Similarly, NASCAR’s official X account was infiltrated, with unauthorized posts promoting a fictitious cryptocurrency. The breach extended to other NASCAR-related social media platforms, indicating a widespread and coordinated attack.
Discussions among fans on Reddit highlighted the unusual nature of the hack, noting the incongruity of targeting NASCAR’s audience for a crypto scam.
Other Notable Incidents
The cyberattacks weren’t confined to the NBA and NASCAR. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ official X account also fell victim, announcing a fake “$CAVS Token” with similar fraudulent claims. These incidents underscore a broader trend of cybercriminals targeting high-profile sports entities to exploit their extensive follower bases.
Implications and Security Measures
These incidents highlight the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures within major organizations. The exploitation of trusted platforms to disseminate scams not only jeopardizes the organizations’ reputations but also puts their followers at risk of financial loss.
Fans are advised to exercise caution, verify official announcements through multiple channels, and remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities.
As investigations proceed, it’s imperative for organizations to bolster their digital security protocols to prevent future breaches and protect their communities from such malicious activities.
