Pentagon Asks Twitter for Assistance in CENTCOM Hacking: Spokesperson

A Twitter spokesperson stated the Pentagon has requested assistance from Twitter, following the hacking of US Central Command’s Twitter account on Monday.

WASHINGTON, January 12 (Sputnik) — US Central Command requested help from Twitter, following the hacking on Monday of the Florida-based military command’s social media account by hackers, claiming to be associated with the Islamic State, Twitter spokesperson told Sputnik.

“The Pentagon has requested our assistance with an account security issue, and we're working with them to resolve it,” the spokesperson said, adding that the social media company couldn’t comment further on individual accounts.

Twitter said verified government accounts have additional security requirements beyond unverified accounts.

Hackers, claiming to be affiliated with the Islamic State, briefly hacked US Central Command’s Twitter account on Monday. Taking control of the command’s Twitter feed for nearly an hour, the hackers praised Allah and said the “CyberCaliphate continues its Cyber Jihad.”

Writing, “American soldiers. Watch your back. We are coming,” the hackers released what is allegedly the contact information of senior CENTCOM officers and threatened them and their families. It then posted what appeared to be US military plans related to North Korea and China.

US Central Command’s Twitter feed, @CENTCOM, remains suspended as of Monday afternoon.

US Central Command, whose area of responsibility includes the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, is running the US and coalition bombing campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The command regularly posts updates on Twitter of airstrikes against the Islamic State.