In a shocking breach of cybersecurity, the official YouTube channel of the Supreme Court of India was hacked on Friday, displaying videos that promote XRP, a cryptocurrency associated with Ripple Labs.
This alarming incident unfolds as the court prepares for crucial hearings, including a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the timely appointment of judges and significant cases involving SpiceJet and the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute. The hackers have also made prior court hearing videos private, raising concerns over the integrity of information shared on the channel.
- Unauthorized Promotion: The channel now features a video titled, “Brad Garlinghouse: Ripple Responds To The SEC’s $2 Billion Fine! XRP PRICE PREDICTION,” directly linking the hack to Ripple Labs’ CEO, Brad Garlinghouse. This incident comes amidst ongoing legal battles between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Impact on Court Proceedings: The timing of the hack is particularly troubling, as the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear several high-stakes cases, including a PIL aimed at ensuring the timely notification of judge appointments and a plea related to SpiceJet’s aircraft engines.
- Historical Context: The Supreme Court had begun live streaming its proceedings following a landmark 2018 verdict, aimed at enhancing transparency. This breach not only compromises the channel but also poses questions about the security measures in place to protect critical judicial communications.
The hacking of the Supreme Court of India’s YouTube channel is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by even the most prestigious institutions in the digital age. As cybersecurity threats evolve, it is imperative for organizations, particularly those in sensitive sectors like judiciary and governance, to bolster their defenses against such attacks.
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