Personal details of 54 lakh Twitter users stolen, sold by hacker?

In January this year, cyber security watchdog HackerOne had said that the personal data of users, including contact numbers and email addresses, is at a risk due to a bug in the database.

Published on: Jul 23, 2022, 17:39:04 IST

By HT News Desk | Written by Aryan Prakash

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If you are a Twitter user, then this news you shouldn't miss. Due to a flaw in the microblogging platform's database, hackers have gained access to the personal details of 54 lakh users.

Worse than this, a hacker is reportedly selling these data at a price of ₹23.96 lakh rupees on Breached Forum, Hindustan Times' sister publication Live Hindustan reported. However, Twitter hasn't commented on the entire episode.

In January this year, cyber security watchdog HackerOne had said that the personal data of users, including contact numbers and email addresses, is at a risk due to a bug in the database.

As a result, the personal information of millions of users are at a risk of being illegally accessed. According to report, it is easy to look for anyone's Twitter ID by just getting access to their phone number or email address. What is more worrisome that the details can be accessed even though the user has enabled privacy settings to publicly hide his/her personal details, the website reported.

A researcher had said in a social media post that the bug was present due to an authorisation process used in the android client of the microblogging site, especially during the process to check duplication of a Twitter account. The microblogging site acknowledged the breach as a valid security issue and awarded $5,040 ( ₹4.02 lakh) to the researcher.

Although Twitter has reportedly fixed the bug, but a hacker has been able to get access to personal data of 54 lakh users. According to a report by Restore Privacy, the hacker with the username ‘Devil’ has offered to sell the data of users on Breach Forum. The hacker has also shared a sample user data from the database.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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