How 20 Top Celebrities Were Hacked in 2024: Full Story Inside

The year 2024 has been a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even the most celebrated and influential personalities face in the digital age. From deepfake technology to account hijackings and fraudulent schemes, cybercriminals have increasingly targeted international celebrities, exploiting their widespread fame to deceive the public, promote scams, and spread misinformation.

Several Indian celebrities were targeted by cybercriminals, highlighting the increasing risks associated with digital fame. Notable incidents include:

1. Rashmika Mandanna: In November 2023, a deepfake video featuring actress Rashmika Mandanna surfaced online, causing significant distress. The video falsely depicted her in a compromising situation and was created by a digital marketer seeking social media followers. Following the incident, Mandanna was appointed as the National Ambassador for promoting cyber safety by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) in October 2024.
2. Orhan Awatramani (Orry): Orry topped the list of Indian celebrities whose names generated the riskiest online search results. Cybercriminals exploited his rising fame by creating fraudulent websites and scams associated with his name, leading to data breaches and financial losses for unsuspecting fans.
3. Diljit Dosanjh: Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, his ‘Dil-Luminati’ concert tour was targeted by scammers who set up fake ticketing sites and discount scams, deceiving fans and leading to financial fraud.
4. Alia Bhatt: Actress Alia Bhatt’s popularity was exploited by cybercriminals who used her name to lure internet users into malicious websites and scams, increasing the risk of malware infections and data theft.
5. Ranveer Singh: Actor Ranveer Singh fifth on the list, with cybercriminals leveraging his fame to create deceptive online content, potentially leading to identity theft and financial fraud for unsuspecting individuals.
6. Virat Kohli: Cricketer Virat Kohli’s widespread popularity made scammers used his name in various online fraud schemes, including fake endorsements and phishing attacks, posing significant cybersecurity risks to fans.
7. Sachin Tendulkar: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also targeted, with cybercriminals using his name to create fraudulent online content, leading to potential data breaches and financial scams.
8. Shah Rukh Khan: Actor Shah Rukh Khan’s name was exploited in various online scams, including fake movie streaming sites and counterfeit merchandise sales, resulting in financial losses for fans.
9. Deepika Padukone: Actress Deepika Padukone’s online presence was misused by cybercriminals to create deceptive content, leading to increased cybersecurity risks for individuals searching for information about her.
10. Aamir Khan: Actor Aamir Khan’s name was utilized in various online fraud schemes, including fake charity appeals and phishing attacks, highlighting the need for increased vigilance among internet users.

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In 2024, several international celebrities were targeted by cybercriminals, underscoring the persistent threat of digital exploitation. Notable incidents include:

1. Taylor Swift: In January, AI-generated explicit images of Swift were disseminated online without her consent, sparking widespread condemnation and discussions about the ethical implications of deepfake technology.
2. Sydney Sweeney: In July, Sweeney’s cellphone number and X (formerly Twitter) account were hijacked. Hackers used her social media to promote a cryptocurrency scam, misleading her followers.
3. 50 Cent: The rapper’s social media accounts were compromised, with unauthorized posts promoting fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.
4. Doja Cat: Hackers accessed her social media profiles, posting misleading information and causing confusion among her fanbase.
5. Rich the Kid: The artist’s accounts were breached, leading to the dissemination of false promotions and potential scams targeting his audience.
6. Hulk Hogan: The former wrestler’s social media was infiltrated, with attackers posting deceptive content to mislead his followers.
7. Martin Lewis: The financial expert warned about scams using his likeness, as well as those of other celebrities like Taylor Swift and Jeremy Clarkson, to defraud victims, resulting in significant financial losses.
8. Jeremy Clarkson: Scammers impersonated Clarkson in fraudulent advertisements, deceiving individuals into financial traps.
9. Elon Musk: Deepfake videos featuring Musk were used in online scams, promoting fraudulent investment schemes and misleading the public.
10. Adele: The singer’s image was exploited in deceptive online advertisements, aiming to defraud unsuspecting fans and consumers.

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These incidents underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and public awareness to protect against the evolving landscape of cyber threats targeting high-profile individuals.

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