Wednesday, June 8, 2016

NFL chief survives online hoax

Even the biggest organizations are subject to being hacked.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is alive and well, despite a hacker’s efforts to prove otherwise on Tuesday.

The polarizing head of America’s most powerful sports league was said to have passed away, according to the league’s own Twitter account. NFL officials quickly refuted the claim and pointed to the work of a hacker.

TechInsider first reported that a hacker group identifying itself as Peggle Crew were claiming responsibility.

The initial false tweet was sent at 12:36 p.m. and read: "We regret to inform our fans that our commissioner, Roger Goodell, has passed away. He was 57."

Shortly after that tweet was sent, the hackers sent another stating: “Oi, I said Roger Goodell has died. Don’t delete that tweet.”

Finally, at 12:45 p.m., the perpetrator wrote, “OK, OK, you amateur detectives win. Good job.”

The media quickly debunked the report:

The NFL issued a brief statement, saying, "We have engaged law enforcement to look into the matter. We are reviewing and strengthening our cyber-security measures."

Goodell himself joked about the incident:

Peggle Crew reportedly accessed the NFL Twitter password by hacking the league’s social media manager’s email.

After the truth emerged, the internet had a bit of fun with the hoax:

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As the infamous NFL controversy known as Deflategate drags on, plenty were quick to joke that Patriots QB Tom Brady might have been the culprit:

The incident should be a good reminder to keep strong passwords on your corporate social media accounts. Change then often and don’t keep your password where someone can easily find it in your email.

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