Hackers Target Influencers and Content Creators to Infect Their Followers with Malware and Steal Information.
Large social media platforms are under attack and abuse.
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting influencers and content creators on social media platforms. The reason behind this interest is their vast reach, which criminals can exploit to disseminate malware and lure followers into cryptocurrency-related scams or personal information theft.
A recent report has noted that this trend has become widespread since 2024 and is continuing into 2025. According to the document, attackers often approach these figures with deceptive proposals, such as false sponsorship offers or AI-powered video software services, in addition to phishing attacks. If the influencer falls into the trap and downloads the malware, the intruders gain access to the credentials of the platforms they use, such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and others.
Compromised accounts are then used to attack followers. For instance, over 9,000 malicious live streams have been detected on YouTube. These streams often appear legitimate at first but are controlled by hackers who have renamed compromised channels, mimicking prominent figures such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Michael Saylor, or Brad Garlinghouse, who are popular among cryptocurrency scammers.
Researchers warn that this represents a significant problem, as millions of people are at risk. One notable case involved a compromised YouTube account with over 28 million followers, while another account had amassed over 12 billion views in total. This global reach reveals the potential for cybercriminals to target a large number of people; if they managed to convert just 1% of those views, it would represent 124 million potential victims exposed to scams, malware, or data theft.
During these live streams, criminals promote malicious domains that can be used to steal credentials, cryptocurrencies, or personal information from users. Content creators are advised to strengthen their security, and followers should maintain a skeptical attitude toward all information they receive, even if it comes from their favorite influencers.
