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 In a digital age where information travels at the speed of light, even regulatory bodies like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) aren’t immune to cyberattacks. Recently, the SEC’s social media account fell victim to a malicious hack that spread false information regarding the approval of a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). This incident sent ripples through the cryptocurrency market, causing momentary confusion and prompting questions about the impact of such events on the ever-volatile Bitcoin (BTC) price. 
 <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-sec-x-hack">The SEC X Hack</h2> 
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 SEC Hack Timeline: 3:11 — @SECGov tweets all #Bitcoin ETFs are approved 3:26 — @GaryGensler says SEC account was hacked ~3:38 — SEC “regains control” of their account &amp; deletes original tweet 3:42 — SEC tweets they were hacked &amp; have not approved ETFs Something is fishy… pic.twitter.com/CVHLlY2SdN— Walker️ (@WalkerAmerica) January 9, 2024
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 The incident began with a seemingly official tweet from the SEC’s X account, @SECGov, announcing the approval of Bitcoin ETFs for listing on all registered national securities exchanges. The tweet claimed these approved Bitcoin ETFs would be subject to stringent surveillance and compliance measures to ensure investor protection. An announcement sent Bitcoin’s price surging towards the $48,000 mark as investors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the news. 
 However, the joy was short-lived. SEC Chair Gary Gensler swiftly took to his account to debunk the tweet, revealing that the SEC’s X account had been compromised and the announcement was entirely false. Gary emphasised that the SEC had not approved the listing and trading of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products. 
 <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-market-s-response">The Market’s Response</h2> 
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 The @SECGov twitter account was compromised, and an unauthorized tweet was posted. The SEC has not approved the listing and trading of spot bitcoin exchange-traded products.— Gary Gensler (@GaryGensler) January 9, 2024
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 As the truth emerged, Bitcoin’s price experienced a sharp and abrupt reversal. After reaching nearly $48,000, the cryptocurrency swiftly retreated to around $45,000. It was a stark reminder of the volatility that often characterises the cryptocurrency markets, where prices can fluctuate dramatically in response to even the slightest shift in sentiment or news. 
 Intriguingly, despite the rollercoaster ride caused by the false announcement, the market regained its composure relatively quickly. The initial panic subsided, and Bitcoin’s price stabilised around $46,000 when this article was written. 
 <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="lessons-learned">Lessons Learned</h2> 
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 We can confirm that the account @SECGov was compromised and we have completed a preliminary investigation. Based on our investigation, the compromise was not due to any breach of X’s systems, but rather due to an unidentified individual obtaining control over a phone number…— Safety (@Safety) January 10, 2024
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 The incident raised several questions and highlighted some critical lessons for cryptocurrency enthusiasts and regulatory authorities. Firstly, it underscored the power of social media in influencing market sentiment. Even if compromised, a single tweet from an official account can profoundly impact cryptocurrency prices. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for caution and verification, especially in a space as speculative as cryptocurrencies. 
 Secondly, it revealed the vulnerability of regulatory bodies to cyberattacks. While the SEC acted swiftly to rectify the situation, questions were raised about the security of their digital infrastructure. As the cryptocurrency market evolves and attracts more attention, regulatory agencies must bolster their cybersecurity measures to maintain trust and credibility. 
 <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2> 
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 JUST IN: Senator Cynthia Lummis: Fraudulent announcements, like the one that was made on the SEC’s social media, can manipulate markets. We need transparency on what happened. Yes, we do — Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) January 9, 2024
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 The SEC’s recent X hack and the subsequent false announcement regarding approving a Bitcoin ETF showcased the intricate relationship between social media, market sentiment, and cryptocurrency prices. In a matter of moments, Bitcoin’s value soared and then plummeted, reminding investors of the inherent volatility in the crypto space. 
 As the cryptocurrency market matures and regulatory agencies play an increasingly significant role, all stakeholders must exercise vigilance and caution. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, and the incident underscores the need for robust protection of digital assets and information. 
 In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies, staying informed and discerning between genuine news and misinformation is paramount. The SEC’s X hack is a stark reminder of this fundamental principle as the crypto market continues its tumultuous journey towards mainstream acceptance and stability. 
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Source: <a rel="dofollow" target="_blank" href="https://thebittimes.com/sec-x-hack-sends-bitcoin-on-a-wild-rollercoaster-ride-tbt76121.html">https://thebittimes.com/sec-x-hack-sends-bitcoin-on-a-wild-rollercoaster-ride-tbt76121.html</a>

SEC X Hack Sends Bitcoin on a Wild Rollercoaster Ride

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