By now, you’ve probably heard about the Facebook security breach. The accounts of 50 million users were exposed in this most recent attack. This attack, which happened on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, is an example of the struggle of assuring that information is secure. So what happened? And what does this mean for Facebook, a company that has faced much backlash over security issues recently? Let’s take a look:
Exposing Vulnerabilities
Just how were hackers able to access 50 million users’ accounts? Three vulnerabilities in Facebook code allowed the attackers to hack into the social media platform. Once in, they had access to users’ info, such as birthdays, friends lists, and other info users decided to share publicly. Furthermore, the attackers could access third-party apps connected to users’ accounts, such as Instagram and Spotify. Facebook executives are unsure of the hackers’ identities and are still investigating the impact of the attack.
Facing Backlash
In recent months, Facebook has been hit with backlash concerning the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal. In that data breach, Cambridge Analytica, a company that worked on the Trump presidential campaign, gained access to 87 million Facebook users’ account info and used it for political purposes during the most recent U.S. Presidential election. When that attack occurred, it negatively affected Facebook, causing stock prices to fall and ushering in the need for tighter regulation concerning the privacy and security of users and their accounts.
What Now?
Much like with the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook is facing backlash for their most recent attack. Lawmakers have warned that they may need to step in and draft legislation to further protect and secure users’ data across social media platforms. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) is a staunch critic of Facebook and spoke out about the breach: “A full investigation should be swiftly conducted and made public so that we can understand more about what happened.” The investigation is still in its beginning stages, so stay tuned for emerging info concerning the breach and any consequences Facebook may face.
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