Microsoft's Official X Account Hacked to Promote Clippy Meme Coin

The official X account of Microsoft was reportedly hacked to promote a Clippy-themed meme coin. The incident lasted around 30 minutes, during which the account followed and reposted accounts promoting the token and changed its profile picture to Clippy, Microsoft's former digital assistant character.

Microsoft stated that it did not authorize anyone to use Clippy to promote cryptocurrency tokens and plans to take legal action over the incident. The company's statement separates it from the token and any associated promotional activity.

The incident highlights how control of a prominent social media account can be used to give cryptocurrency promotions an appearance of legitimacy. The use of Microsoft's official account and the Clippy branding created a direct association with one of the company's recognizable intellectual properties, despite Microsoft saying it had not approved the promotion.