When Online Accounts for Beloved Characters Fall Prey to Hackers
Even seemingly innocuous corners of the internet aren’t immune to malicious activity. A recent incident saw the official X (formerly Twitter) account associated with the globally recognized character, Elmo, compromised, leading to the posting of disturbing and antisemitic content.
This unexpected event highlights a critical vulnerability that exists across all levels of social media engagement. The account, known for its upbeat and child-friendly posts, suddenly became a platform for hate speech, shocking and upsetting its vast audience, which includes many children and families. The offensive posts were quickly flagged by users who expressed dismay and concern over the nature of the content appearing under Elmo’s widely recognized name.
The organization responsible for Elmo and Sesame Street, Sesame Workshop, took swift action. Upon discovering the compromise, they immediately regained control of the account. The harmful posts were promptly deleted, removing the offensive material from the public feed. Following this, Sesame Workshop issued a statement confirming the account had been compromised and assuring the public that it was now secure and back under their management.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that no social media account is completely safe from potential hacking attempts. It underscores the importance of robust security measures for individuals and organizations alike, especially for accounts with large followings or those representing public figures and entities.
To protect your own online presence and prevent similar incidents, consider these essential security practices:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using easily guessable passwords or reusing the same password across multiple platforms. Consider using a password manager.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security requiring a second form of verification (like a code from your phone) in addition to your password.
- Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Do not click suspicious links or provide login information in response to unsolicited emails or messages.
- Regularly Review Account Activity: Check your login history and recent posts for any unauthorized activity.
- Limit Third-Party App Permissions: Be cautious about granting access to your social media accounts to external applications.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system, browser, and security software are always up-to-date to patch known vulnerabilities.
While this particular event involving a children’s character was jarring due to the contrast between the brand and the content posted, it reinforces the universal need for vigilance and strong security protocols in the digital world. Protecting your online accounts is a crucial step in maintaining a safe and positive online environment.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/07/14/someone_hijacked_elmos_x_account/
