Private messages from over 81,000 Facebook accounts being sold by hackers: Report
The data has reportedly been obtained through malicious browser extensions, and is being sold for as little as 10 cents.
It looks like Facebook may have another information breach on its hands. According to a report by the BBC, hackers claim to have gotten hold over details from over 120 million accounts. As per the report, the publication first noticed the breach in September, when a user named ‘FBSaler’ posted on an English-speaking forum. However, according to cyber-security company, Digital Shadows, which examined the claim on behalf of the BBC, that number might be in the region of 81,000. The sample that was posted online contained private messages.
BBC’s report notes that the many of the users whose details have been compromised are from Russia and Ukraine. However, it also includes information of citizens from other countries such as the UK, US, Brazil and more. The hackers are reportedly selling access to the information for as little as 10 cents, which is less than Rs 10.
As per the report, Facebook has said that its security has not been compromised, and the data has probably been obtained through malicious browser extensions. “We have contacted browser-makers to ensure that known malicious extensions are no longer available to download in their stores," Facebook Executive, Guy Rosen told the publication. "We have also contacted law enforcement and have worked with local authorities to remove the website that displayed information from Facebook accounts."
Digit NewsDesk
Digit News Desk writes news stories across a range of topics. Getting you news updates on the latest in the world of tech. View Full Profile