X Platform Hit by Russian-Linked Hackers Amid Tesla Turmoil and Musk’s Political Feuds

A Russian-linked hacking group has claimed responsibility for a massive cyberattack on X (formerly Twitter), which caused widespread outages for thousands of users on March 10. The attack, a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assault, temporarily disrupted access to the platform, though functionality was quickly restored.

Who’s Behind the Attack?

Cybersecurity firm SpyoSecure identified the hacker group Dark Storm as the culprit, citing a now-deleted Telegram post from the group’s leader. Screenshots shared on X showed Dark Storm boasting about taking the platform offline, with images of failed connection attempts from around the globe.

Ed Krassenstein, a social media personality, confirmed he had been in contact with Dark Storm’s leader, who claimed the attack was merely a “demonstration of strength” with no political motives. Dark Storm, a pro-Palestinian group with ties to Russia, has been active since 2023 and is known for targeting NATO countries.

Musk’s Response and Speculation

Elon Musk, X’s owner, confirmed the platform had been hit by a cyberattack, suggesting the hackers’ IP addresses originated “in the Ukraine area.” However, Musk provided no evidence to support this claim, nor did he clarify whether state actors were involved. This isn’t the first time X has faced such an attack; last August, Musk blamed hackers for outages ahead of an interview with Donald Trump.

Alp Toker, director of Netblocks, a web connectivity monitor, noted that the outage patterns were consistent with a large-scale DDoS attack. “This is among the longest X outages we’ve tracked,” Toker said, adding that the disruptions spanned over six hours and had a global impact.

Broader Context: Tesla’s Troubles and Political Tensions

The cyberattack comes amid a tumultuous period for Musk. Tesla, his electric vehicle company, has seen its stock plummet by over 15% in recent trading sessions, dropping to $222 per share. The decline follows protests against Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is cutting spending across various government departments.

Violence at Tesla facilities has escalated as part of a “Take Down Tesla” movement, with incidents including vandalism and even shots fired at a dealership in Oregon. Despite the backlash, Musk remains defiant, stating that DOGE’s cost-cutting measures align with taxpayer interests.

Musk’s Political Feuds

Musk’s controversies extend beyond business. On X, he clashed with US Senator Mark Kelly, calling the Democrat a “traitor” for visiting Ukraine. Kelly fired back, defending his support for Ukraine and criticizing Musk’s stance on freedom and national security.

What’s Next for X and Musk?

The cyberattack on X highlights the platform’s vulnerability to large-scale disruptions, while Musk’s political entanglements and Tesla’s struggles raise questions about his ability to manage multiple high-stakes ventures. As Musk navigates these challenges, the world watches to see how he will steer his companies—and his public image—through the storm.

What do you think about the cyberattack and Musk’s recent controversies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!