A security breach exposed two-factor authentication (2FA) codes/password reset links for millions of users on platforms like Facebook, Google, and TikTok.

Key Points:

  • YX International, an SMS routing company, left an internal database exposed online without a password.
  • The database contained one-time 2FA codes and password reset links for various tech giants.
  • YX International secured the database and claims to have “sealed the vulnerability.”
  • The company wouldn’t confirm how long the database was exposed or if anyone else accessed it.
  • Representatives from Meta, Google, and TikTok haven’t commented yet.

Concerns:

  • This leak highlights the vulnerabilities of SMS-based 2FA compared to app-based methods.
  • The lack of information regarding the leak’s duration and potential access by others raises concerns.

Gemini Recommendations:

  • Consider switching to app-based 2FA for increased security.
  • Be cautious of suspicious communications and avoid clicking unknown links.
  • Stay informed about potential security breaches affecting your online accounts.
  • gregorum@lemm.ee
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    7 months ago

    Can you cite your sources for any of this? Because literally, anyone could make all of this up and sound convincing.

    • Dr. Wesker@lemmy.sdf.org
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      7 months ago

      I don’t know how/if I could generally cite my sources, because I’m just anecdotally referring to the services that I happen to use, that offer 2FA, but restrict it to SMS or email delivery. It’s purely my experience that the most important services I use (banking, investment, utilities) are commonly the ones that don’t offer the ability to use an app for 2FA.

          • gregorum@lemm.ee
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            7 months ago

            I certainly would never trust you with anything. Especially the truth.

            Nor should anyone, especially when you accuse anyone who questions you with lying simply for challenging your position.

            • Dr. Wesker@lemmy.sdf.org
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              7 months ago

              Bro, I literally don’t even understand your malfunction, lol. I don’t at this point even know what I said you think is so wild. Lots of really important businesses and services still only allow for for SMS or email OTP delivery. If you find that for the most part that sentiment doesn’t apply to you because your day to day account spread differs, more power to you.

            • grue@lemmy.world
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              7 months ago

              Nor should anyone, especially when you accuse anyone who questions you with lying simply for challenging your position.

              Nah, his responses are fine. The real problem here is just that you lack reading comprehension skills and are being a jerk for no reason.