Dating Apps Targeted In Cyberattack: A new strain of cyber threats has been created for users using dating apps and online sites in the quest for meeting new people.
Among firms recently attacked, Bloomberg said, were Bumble, the dating site; Match Group, a collection of other dating sites; Panera Bread and CrunchBase. Security analysts think these are part of a wider social-engineering campaign to get into company systems and data. While companies say that user data is still mostly safe, the attacks have set off many users to wonder how secure their personal information really is.
Companies Hit by the Cyberattack
Several major platforms said they had been selected. Bloomberg reported:
- Bumble
- Match Group
- Panera Bread
- CrunchBase
The attackers are probably trying to steal data for identity theft, fraud or other charges at a later date, according to security professionals.
How the Attacks Happened
Bumble:
The hackers infiltrated Bumble's internal network through a phishing email that tricked a contractor into providing access, Bumble said. The company said attackers did not breach those accounts or gain access to personal data and that the flaw has since been fixed.
Match Group:
Match Group announced a cyberattack on Jan. 16. The hacking group ShinyHunters took credit. Match says there's no evidence that stolen passwords, financial information or private messages were compromised.
Panera Bread and CrunchBase:
Panera Bread said a data breach exposed customer contact information The restaurant chain admitted attackers leaked identity numbers, emails and phone numbers. Some internal documents were accessed, CrunchBase said in a statement, but the situation had been resolved.
Why Experts Are Concerned
Even small breaches can be dangerous, cybersecurity experts warn. Data theft can be exploited for identity theft, fraud and phishing. For users that recycle their passwords across multiple services, the risk is much greater.
What Users Should Do
Experts recommend:
- Change your passwords immediately
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or emails
- Monitor accounts for unusual activity
The recent attacks on dating apps, as well as the most popular platforms such as these involving social engineering and phishing attacks, show that digital services can often be easily compromised. While companies say that user data is largely safe, security experts note that users need to do their part to protect themselves.