How hackers hijacked President Mahama’s account to push Solanafrica fraud

In today's digital age, scams and fraudulent websites have become increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for individuals to recognize the red flags of online deception. One such case is Solanafrica.com, a website exposed as a fraudulent platform linked to a cyber attack. This article breaks down the telltale signs of a fake website and explains the cyber attack tactics used to promote it, specifically the hacking of former Ghanaian President John Mahama's social media account.

The Cyber Attack Behind Solanafrica.com Solanafrica.com gained public attention when cybercriminals hacked the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Ghana's former President, John Mahama, to promote the website. This type of attack falls under the category of Account Takeover (ATO) Attack, a form of cybercrime where hackers gain unauthorized access to an account and use it to spread misinformation, phishing links, or scams.

The attack likely exploited weak security measures, such as poor password management or a lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA), to access Mahama's account. Once inside, the hackers posted fraudulent content endorsing Solanafrica.com, misleading the public into believing it was a legitimate investment opportunity. By leveraging the trust and credibility associated with Mahama's account, the attackers successfully lured victims into the scam.

Why Was John Mahama's Account Targeted? High-profile figures like John Mahama are attractive targets for cybercriminals for several reasons. First, their massive influence and credibility make their endorsements appear legitimate, even when they are not. Second, cybercriminals aim for financial gain by driving traffic to fraudulent schemes like Solanafrica.com. Finally, such attacks can also be used to undermine a leader's reputation or create confusion among their followers.

False Endorsements & Lack of Transparency One of the biggest warning signs of Solanafrica.com is its false association with public figures. Fraudulent websites often misuse high-profile endorsements—without consent—to appear credible. The hacking of John Mahama's account to promote this scam is a textbook example of how cybercriminals exploit influential figures for fraud. Additionally, legitimate businesses provide clear and verifiable contact details, including physical addresses, phone numbers, and official emails. Solanafrica.com, however, lacks transparency, offering only vague or non-functional contact options.

Unrealistic Promises & Security Risks Fraudulent websites, particularly in cryptocurrency and investment schemes, lure victims with high returns and minimal risk. Solanafrica.com promotes investment opportunities that sound too good to be true—because they are. Always be skeptical of platforms that guarantee large profits with little effort. Moreover, poor website security features further expose users to cyber threats. Solanafrica.com lacks SSL encryption (HTTPS) and proper security certificates, making financial transactions and personal data highly vulnerable.

Hidden Ownership & Community Warnings A domain lookup can reveal a lot about a website. Fraudulent platforms like Solanafrica.com often hide their ownership using privacy protection services, making it difficult to track the individuals behind them. Additionally, a simple online search can indicate if a website has been flagged as fraudulent. Solanafrica.com has been highlighted as a scam by financial advisory platforms and cybersecurity experts, reinforcing its illegitimacy.

How to Prevent Cyber Attacks Like This To avoid falling victim to fake websites and cyber attacks like the one involving John Mahama's account and Solanafrica.com, follow these cybersecurity best practices:

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Protect your online accounts by requiring an extra layer of security beyond just a password.

2. Use Strong & Unique Passwords: Avoid using easily guessable or reused passwords.

3. Verify Legitimacy: Research a website before making any financial transactions.

4. Look for HTTPS: Ensure the site has a secure connection before entering any personal or financial information.

5. Avoid Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: If an investment opportunity seems unrealistically lucrative, it's likely a scam.

6. Check Reviews and Alerts: Use online resources to verify authenticity.

7. Be Cautious of Hacked Accounts: If a well-known figure suddenly promotes an unfamiliar website, verify their claim from multiple sources before trusting it.

Cybercriminals continue to exploit digital platforms, but with awareness and caution, you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams like Solanafrica.com. The account takeover attack used in this case highlights the importance of strong security practices to prevent unauthorized access. Even public figures like John Mahama are not immune to cyber threats, making cybersecurity awareness more crucial than ever. Always question suspicious websites, verify their claims, and prioritize your cybersecurity. Stay safe online and help spread awareness to protect others from online fraud.

The case of Solanafrica.com and the hacking of John Mahama's account serve as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online. By staying informed and vigilant, you can outsmart cybercriminals and safeguard your digital life

Emmanuel Owusu-Kyereko (MSc. CISM, CISA, AWS Solutions Architect, PMP)

Cybersecurity Professional Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Expert Risk Management Framework (RMF)