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YouTube has confirmed hacking activity on a number of Vevo channels on its platform, affecting high-profile music videos.
A YouTube statement read: “After seeing unusual upload activity on a handful of Vevo channels, we worked quickly with our partner to disable access while they investigate the issue.” YouTube made clear that the issue has impacted Vevo specifically and not YouTube more broadly.
As detailed by the
BBC, the videos for several hit songs, including ‘Despacito’, were defaced – the Despacito video has since been removed but the cover image featured a group wearing masks and pointing guns.
“The hackers, calling themselves Prosox and Kuroi'sh, had written ‘Free Palestine’ underneath the videos,” stated the BBC.
A Statement from Vevo added: “Vevo can confirm that a number of videos in its catalog were subject to a security breach today, which has now been contained. We are working to reinstate all videos affected and our catalog to be restored to full working order. We are continuing to investigate the source of the breach."
Mark James, security specialist at
ESET, said the details currently surrounding the hack are sparse, so trying to figure out those responsible did or how they did it is not something that’s easily done.
