A cyberattack on X users that targeted hundreds of thousands of accounts has prompted an investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), with Attorney General Todd Blanche saying sophisticated cybercriminals attempted to exploit the platform’s password-recovery system.

The DOJ is working with Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, to identify those responsible for the attempted attack, according to Blanche’s statement on Wednesday. The incident involved hundreds of thousands of X users and was disrupted before the targeted accounts could be captured, Blanche said.

Blanche Says DOJ Is Tracking Those Behind Cyberattack on X Users 

In a statement posted on X, Blanche described the incident as a password-recovery attack carried out by “sophisticated cyber criminals.” He said X managed to disrupt the effort and prevent user accounts from being taken over. 

Blanche wrote: 

This week, sophisticated cyber criminals attempted a password-recovery attack on hundreds of thousands of X users. X disrupted the attack to prevent user accounts from being captured. But, as we’ve shown, the Justice Department will stop at nothing in its pursuit of cyber fraudsters and scammers. We are working closely with @X to track down the criminals behind this week’s attack. There is no refuge for those that perpetrate their criminal schemes from behind computer screens.” 

The attorney general did not disclose additional technical details about the cyberattack on X users, including how the attackers attempted to exploit the recovery system, whether any individual accounts were compromised, or where the suspected criminals were operating from. 

The DOJ investigation is intended to identify those responsible for the attempted intrusion, with Blanche emphasizing that authorities would pursue individuals involved in cyber fraud and scams even when those activities are conducted remotely. 

How the Password-Recovery Attack Works 

A password-recovery attack generally targets the systems users rely on when they have forgotten their login credentials. These processes can include “forgot password” features, account-recovery forms, and other mechanisms designed to help legitimate users regain access to their accounts.

Attackers may attempt to exploit weaknesses in those processes to obtain access to accounts. In the incident involving X, the platform was able to disrupt the effort before the targeted accounts were captured, according to Blanche.

The scale of the attempted cyberattack on X users—hundreds of thousands of accounts—makes the incident notable, although the attorney general did not provide a breakdown of how many accounts were actually affected or whether any users suffered losses. 

AI-Driven Cyberattacks Add to Growing Security Concerns 

The X incident comes against a wider backdrop of increasing cybersecurity threats facing companies and organizations around the world. 

Businesses have been dealing with a rise in AI-driven cyberattacks as well as ransomware campaigns capable of stealing sensitive information, interrupting operations, and creating significant financial and operational damage. 

The growing use of artificial intelligence in cyber operations has raised concerns that attackers can automate or accelerate parts of their campaigns. At the same time, organizations are exploring ways to use AI-based systems to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their defenses. 

The DOJ has also been pursuing cases involving sophisticated cyber operations. Days before news of the cyberattack on X users, the department announced an operation targeting QTFY, described by US authorities as a Chinese cyberespionage platform. 

DOJ Previously Targeted QTFY Cyberespionage Platform 

According to the Justice Department, QTFY had targeted several US institutions and organizations. Those named by the department included the US Senate, the Federal Reserve, and NASA, among others. 

The action against QTFY highlights the broader range of cyber threats confronting US institutions, from espionage operations to attacks aimed at obtaining access to online accounts. 

The latest investigation involving X therefore comes amid a broader push by US authorities to identify and disrupt cyber criminals and state-linked cyber operations.