Popular streaming service YouTube has confirmed hacking activity on a number of Vevo channels on its platform, affecting high-profile music videos.
A YouTube statement read: “After seeing unusual upload activity on a handful of Vevo channels, we worked quickly with our partner to disable access while they investigate the issue.” YouTube made clear that the issue has impacted Vevo specifically and not YouTube more broadly.
As detailed by the BBC, the videos for several hit songs, including ‘Despacito’, were defaced – the Despacito video has since been removed but the cover image featured a group wearing masks and pointing guns.
“The hackers, calling themselves Prosox and Kuroi'sh, had written ‘Free Palestine’ underneath the videos,” stated the BBC.
A Statement from Vevo added: “Vevo can confirm that a number of videos in its catalog were subject to a security breach today, which has now been contained. We are working to reinstate all videos affected and our catalog to be restored to full working order. We are continuing to investigate the source of the breach."
Mark James, security specialist at ESET, said the details currently surrounding the hack are sparse, so trying to figure out those responsible did or how they did it is not something that’s easily done.
“The problem with these types of hacks is the potential for damage caused,” he added.
However, Lee Munson, security researcher at Comparitech, was quick to point out the incident looks to be relatively benign in nature, featuring a fairly tame political message and motivated by the ‘fun’ of the challenge.
“In that respect then, it is in itself, nothing much to worry about for the video hosting site, though it does suggest that the defacement of videos is not technically difficult to achieve, given the number of high profile artists that have been targeted.
“What exactly YouTube is doing to prevent content like this appearing via Vevo is unclear but it will be interesting to see whether other hacktivists jump on the bandwagon and use such sites to make their points in the future.”