Not Even the US Military Twitter Account Is Safe From Hacking

On Monday, a group claiming to support ISIS hacked US military Twitter and YouTube accounts. The graphic messages were sent via Twitter account @CENTCOM, the branch of the Pentagon that oversees military units. Videos showing violent attacks on US soldiers were also uploaded to the US military's YouTube account. ISIS, which stands for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a radical militant group born from Al Qaeda. Coincidentally, President Obama was delivering a speech on cybersecurity at the time of the hack.

"I'm announcing new steps to protect the identities and privacy of the American people." —President Obama #Cybersecurity

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 12, 2015

Hackers replaced the cover photo and avatar with ISIS branding. Photos that revealed personal info about Army commands and confidential documents from the Pentagon were also posted to the account. Twitter has since suspended @CENTCOM (the US military handle) and @CyberCaliphate (the account of the group claiming responsibility for the attack).

BREAKING NEWS: ISIS group hacks US Central Command's Twitter account. AFP pic.twitter.com/MDjECnGiWi

— Breaking News Feed (@PzFeed) January 12, 2015

Supporters of ISIS often target individuals and groups through digital means. Several cities in the Paris area have had their websites replaced with images of the ISIS flag following the Charlie Hebdo attack. A local TV news station in Maryland and a New Mexico-based newspaper were also hit recently.

We'll keep you updated on this developing story as more information rolls in. Hopefully the hacking and privacy law reform President Obama is calling for gets put into action very, very soon.