Scots warned hacker is selling off Facebook users' phone numbers in data breach - Daily Record
The hacker is exploiting a security breach that occurred in 2019 but many Scots may still be affected
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The National Cyber Security Centre issued a warning about the threat (Image: Dumfries And Galloway Standard)
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Scots have been warned that a hacker is selling off Facebook members’ telephone numbers following a huge data leak.
The cyber criminal is currently exploiting a breach which occurred back in 2019 and compromised the details of around 500 million users.
Members' personal information is being sold on to buyers who use the phone numbers to retrieve Facebook identities and vice versa.
Facebook has assured users that the breach was fixed back in 2019 and that the data lost is several years old.
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However, anyone still using their old telephone numbers from before the leak was fixed may still have their details accessible.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is now urging anyone who thinks they may be affected to get in touch with Facebook and to follow the NCSC guidance on its website for dealing with data breaches.
The agency adds: “We would also advise that you install the latest software and app updates at your earliest opportunity and to turn on automatic updates for your devices and software that offer it.”
Their advice comes just days after online dating service MeetMindful.com revealed they also suffered a security breach.
Hacker group ShinyHunters managed to obtain “sensitive” personal data that was leaked following a breach in 2014.
The information is being used as part of "phishing" and "sextortion" scams, where cyber criminals extort victims by threatening to share dating profiles with friends, families and work colleagues unless a ransom is paid.
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In a statement, MeetMindful said it was "deeply sorry" for the breach which it had fixed and only affected members who signed up prior to 2020.
The NCSC has issued guidance on dealing with the phishing scams and encourages anyone who has fallen victim to report any suspicious communications to them.
dailyrecord
SHARE
The National Cyber Security Centre issued a warning about the threat (Image: Dumfries And Galloway Standard)
Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.
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Subscribe
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Scots have been warned that a hacker is selling off Facebook members’ telephone numbers following a huge data leak.
The cyber criminal is currently exploiting a breach which occurred back in 2019 and compromised the details of around 500 million users.
Members' personal information is being sold on to buyers who use the phone numbers to retrieve Facebook identities and vice versa.
Facebook has assured users that the breach was fixed back in 2019 and that the data lost is several years old.
RELATED ARTICLES
How to get the latest Scottish news stories sent straight to your inbox with our newsletters
Scots cops warn over 'callous' Amazon scam where crooks take over your computer to nick details
However, anyone still using their old telephone numbers from before the leak was fixed may still have their details accessible.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is now urging anyone who thinks they may be affected to get in touch with Facebook and to follow the NCSC guidance on its website for dealing with data breaches.
The agency adds: “We would also advise that you install the latest software and app updates at your earliest opportunity and to turn on automatic updates for your devices and software that offer it.”
Their advice comes just days after online dating service MeetMindful.com revealed they also suffered a security breach.
Hacker group ShinyHunters managed to obtain “sensitive” personal data that was leaked following a breach in 2014.
The information is being used as part of "phishing" and "sextortion" scams, where cyber criminals extort victims by threatening to share dating profiles with friends, families and work colleagues unless a ransom is paid.
TOP NEWS STORIES TODAY
Family broken over football coach claims
Alex Salmond will unleash an unprecedented attack on the “collapsing, discredited” Crown Office
Salmond set to accuse Lord Advocate
Scottish Water have been forced to set up water stations as supplies
Thousands left without water
Care home body accused of 'not caring'
In a statement, MeetMindful said it was "deeply sorry" for the breach which it had fixed and only affected members who signed up prior to 2020.
The NCSC has issued guidance on dealing with the phishing scams and encourages anyone who has fallen victim to report any suspicious communications to them.
