Security Breach Incident of MyFitnessPal
It was reported on March 29, 2018 that more than 150 million users’ data of a popular fitness app called MyFitnessPal had been hacked. The data that was stolen included the users’ usernames, email addresses and passwords. The company then started to notify their users about the situations via in-app messaging and emails days after they noticed that an unauthorized person had successfully accessed the data a month prior. The company urged their users to take immediate actions and change their passwords. Unfortunately, the identity and whereabouts of the people/s who had orchestrated the breach which stole the data of millions of people is still unknown.
Under Armour, MyFitnessPal’s parent company, then claimed that their users’ financial information were not affected by the breach in any way. The damage of the data breach is considered moderate since the company does not require any government-issued identifiers like driver’s license numbers or social security numbers. Right now, the company is trying to find out how the hackers were able to get into their system without being noticed.
And although having your fitness and dietary progress stolen may seem like it doesn’t matter, the information can still have bigger power than what the users may think. For instance, the app has the capability to know the precise performance and location of its users. Meaning, if someone else has access to a user’s account, they will be able to know where exactly a user is and how fast the user is going. The users will then be placed in potential danger and can be easily tracked by the person who has their data.
Getting Your Data Secured
This situation is a very important reminder for everyone that in this modern age of technology, any personal data can be easily hacked into. Here then, are some of the most important tips and tricks that one can do in order to individually secure their private data.
1. Setting Strong Passwords
While a lot of people may prefer generic and easy passwords, it is still best to at least put some thought and effort in setting your passwords. Though it may seem like a very small detail, the hackers may potentially have a hard time in cracking your password, giving your company more time in fixing the problem and securing your data.
2. Knowing the App’s Terms and Services Conditions
While a lot of people like skipping on the terms and services, it is still very important that users know and learn what exactly they’re getting themselves into. It is important for the users to know just what it is that the app can do.
While breaches like these are becoming common today and companies have the ability to protect their users, it is still important that the users take precautionary measures in protecting their private information.
Quotes: basics