Linus Tech Tips Hacked: A Cautionary Tale of Phishing and Crypto Scams

 If you are a fan of tech reviews on YouTube, you may have noticed that one of the most popular channels, Linus Tech Tips, was hacked on March 23, 2023. The hackers renamed the channel and used it to stream videos of Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey talking about cryptocurrencies, with links and QR codes to scam websites that promised to double your crypto investments.

Linus Tech Tips was not the only channel affected by this hack. Other channels under the Linus Media Group, such as TechLinked and Techquickie, were also compromised and renamed to promote Tesla-related content. The channels have since been restored by YouTube, and Linus Sebastian, the owner of Linus Media Group, has shared a video explaining what happened and how they are working with Google to prevent this from happening again.

But how did the hackers manage to take over these channels in the first place? And how can you avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future? Here are some tips to help you stay safe online:

- Beware of phishing emails. According to Sebastian, the hack started when someone on his team downloaded a PDF file that appeared to be a sponsorship offer from a potential partner. The PDF file contained malicious code that compromised their Google account and allowed the hackers to access their YouTube channels. To avoid this, always check the sender's email address and domain name carefully before opening any attachments or clicking on any links. If you are not sure about the legitimacy of an email, contact the sender directly or use a different channel of communication.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Even if your email account is hacked, having a strong password and two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on your YouTube account can prevent unauthorized access. A strong password should be long, unique, and hard to guess. You can use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code or a device confirmation when you log in from a new device or location. You can enable 2FA on your Google account here.
- Report and flag suspicious videos and channels. If you see a video or a channel that looks suspicious or promotes crypto scams, report it to YouTube immediately. You can do this by clicking on the three dots icon below the video or next to the channel name and selecting "Report". This will help YouTube take action against these scammers and protect other users from falling for their tricks.
- Do your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are volatile and risky investments that require careful research and due diligence. Don't trust anyone who promises to double your money or give you free coins if you send them some first. Always verify the source and credibility of any information or advice you receive about cryptocurrencies. Use reputable platforms and wallets to buy, sell, and store your crypto assets. And never invest more than you can afford to lose.

YouTube crypto scams are not new, but they are becoming more sophisticated and widespread. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from these scammers and enjoy watching your favorite tech videos without worry.