JULY 30 – Messaging has been turned off on the ladies’s relationship security app Tea, following a hack which has uncovered hundreds of photos, posts and feedback.
In a brand new assertion the corporate stated: “As a part of our ongoing investigation into the cybersecurity incident involving the Tea App, now we have just lately discovered that some direct messages (DMs) have been accessed as a part of the preliminary incident.”
The app, which permits girls to do background checks on males they could date, first stated it had been hacked in late July.
It’s a US-based women-only app with 1.6 million customers, who’ve been informed to anticipate additional updates as extra data turns into accessible.
“Our group stays totally engaged in strengthening the Tea App’s safety, and we stay up for sharing extra about these enhancements quickly,” the corporate stated.
“In the meantime, we’re working to determine any customers whose private data was concerned and shall be providing free id safety providers to these people.”
A report from tech publication 404 Media claims a number of the uncovered messages embrace delicate conversations round abortions and infidelity.
“Conversations might embrace names, particulars of previous relationships, or different non-public materials, opening the door to blackmail or emotional hurt,” cybersecurity knowledgeable Rachael Percival informed the BBC.
She stated Tea customers ought to settle for free id safety from the corporate as quickly because it’s supplied.
“It might embrace credit score monitoring, fraud alerts, and id theft insurance coverage,” she stated.
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Images hacked
Kevin Marriott, senior supervisor of at cybersecurity agency Immersive, stated Tea’s replace shall be “regarding for customers who’ve shared private particulars, addresses, and meet-up places”.
“The incontrovertible fact that criminals doubtlessly have each photos and the related account’s direct messages ought to increase the extent of concern amongst customers.”
Mr Marriott stated customers ought to stay vigilant as they wait to see what hackers plan to do with the stolen data.
Tea lets girls examine whether or not potential companions are married or registered intercourse offenders in addition to run reverse picture searches to guard in opposition to “catfishing”, the place individuals use faux on-line identities.
One of probably the most controversial elements of Tea is that it permits girls to share data on males they’ve dated to “keep away from crimson flags” – doubtlessly abusive behaviours – but additionally spotlight these with “inexperienced flag” qualities.
It beforehand revealed that hackers had accessed 72,000 photos submitted by its customers.
Some included photos of ladies holding photograph identification for verification functions, which Tea’s personal privateness coverage guarantees are “deleted instantly” after authentication.
Tea stated the breach affected members who signed up earlier than February 2024.
The app has just lately skilled a surge in recognition – in addition to criticism from some who declare it’s anti-men.
By BBC