Exclusive: When a Sixer Turns into a Cyber Trap - Rinku Singh's Facebook Hack Exposes a New Digital Threat

What happens when a cricketer who dominates bowlers on the field becomes helpless off it - not against pace or spin, but against cybercriminals?

That's exactly what unfolded recently with Indian cricketer Rinku Singh, whose monetised Facebook account was allegedly hacked, leading to unauthorised access and diversion of earnings. The incident has sparked serious conversations around social media security, digital identity theft, and monetisation fraud - issues that go far beyond celebrities.

From Cricket Ground to Cyber Crime Register

Rinku Singh's Facebook page wasn't just a fan hub. With over a million followers, it was also a revenue-generating digital asset. According to reports, hackers managed to break into the account, change the registered email and credentials, and silently take over control.

The breach came to light only when Rinku attempted to log in and realised something was wrong. By then, the damage had already begun.

Posts and videos were being uploaded without his consent - and more alarmingly, monetisation earnings were being redirected elsewhere.

This wasn't random mischief. It was planned digital theft.

Why This Hack Is More Dangerous Than It Looks

Unlike typical social media hacks aimed at spreading spam or fake content, this case reveals a new pattern of cybercrime:

• Target verified or popular accounts
• Take over monetisation dashboards
• Redirect ad revenue and payouts
• Stay hidden for as long as possible

In simple words, the hackers didn't want fame - they wanted money.

For influencers, athletes, creators, and even businesses, social media accounts today are equivalent to digital bank accounts. Once compromised, the losses are real.

Cyber Crime Complaint Filed

Following the discovery, a formal complaint was lodged with cybercrime authorities. Investigators are now working to:

• Trace IP addresses and login trails
• Coordinate with Meta Platforms for account recovery
• Identify where the monetisation funds were diverted

Legal experts say such cases may attract sections under the IT Act, including identity theft, cheating, and unauthorised access to digital systems.

A Wake-Up Call for Every Digital User

This incident proves one hard truth:

If a national-level cricketer with massive visibility can be hacked, anyone can.

Whether you are:

• A content creator
• A business owner
• A student running a side hustle page
• Or a professional with a monetised profile

Your social media account is no longer "just an account". It's an asset - and attackers know it.

How to Protect Your Social Media Accounts (Before It's Too Late)

Cybersecurity experts recommend a few non-negotiables:

• Enable strong two-factor authentication
• Regularly check email and payout settings
• Avoid third-party apps with unknown permissions
• Monitor monetisation dashboards frequently
• Secure the email account linked to social media first

Most hacks don't start on Facebook or Instagram - they start with compromised emails.

ISOEH Insight: Cybersecurity Is No Longer Optional

At ISOEH, we see this case as more than celebrity news - it's a real-world cybersecurity lesson. Digital crimes today are financially motivated, technically advanced, and increasingly silent.

That's why modern cybersecurity education must focus on:

• Account takeover prevention
• Digital asset protection
• Incident response
• Real-world cybercrime investigation

Because tomorrow's threats won't knock - they'll log in.

Final Thought:

Rinku Singh is known for finishing matches under pressure. This time, the real challenge wasn't on the pitch - it was online. And his case is a reminder that in the digital era, cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.