FBI Arrests Hacker Behind SEC Twitter Attack

The FBI has arrested Eric Council Jr., an Alabama resident, for allegedly hacking the SEC's X (formerly Twitter) account in January through a SIM swapping scheme. This attack led to a false announcement about the approval of a Bitcoin ETF, which resulted in a $230 million liquidation in the crypto market. The FBI is also pursuing other conspirators involved in the crime, warning that SIM swapping is a serious offense with severe penalties.

According to the indictment, Council and his co-conspirators used stolen identity information to gain access to the SEC’s account. Once inside, they posted false information claiming the approval of Bitcoin ETFs, which had immediate and damaging effects on the market. Council has been charged with conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and access device fraud. However, his co-conspirators have not yet been apprehended.

The FBI has been vocal about the dangers of SIM swapping, a technique where hackers manipulate mobile service providers to breach victims' accounts. Such schemes can cause major financial losses, and the FBI stresses that offenders will face harsh punishment. Council’s charges are just the beginning, as authorities continue to search for the other individuals involved.

During the investigation, law enforcement found that Council had searched online for topics like "SECGOV hack" and "signs you're under FBI investigation", further incriminating him. The evidence against him appears strong, with FBI officials confirming that they have enough to proceed with legal action.

The FBI has used this case to warn other hackers and encourage cooperation in investigations, similar to how they approached the Bitfinex case. The hunt for other conspirators continues, and the Bureau promises to hold all involved accountable for the January incident.