533 Million Facebook User Personal Details Dumped Online by Hackers
A Facebook breach has exposed the sensitive profile details of over 500 million Facebook users. The treasure trove of 533 million Facebook user profiles was found online over the weekend.
The stolen profile details are posted in an online forum where anyone can access them for free.
Scammers and telemarketers can access the stolen personal data to send scam emails, spam text messages, or dial more robocalls. All in attempts to steal your money or identity.
Facebook Breach Data Includes:
- Full names
- Locations
- Birthdates
- Biographical information
- Facebook IDs
- Email addresses in some cases
This Facebook breach is the result of a security vulnerability back in 2019. The security bug has since been patched. Obviously, a cybercriminal took the opportunity to download the Facebook profiles of millions of users.
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The tranche of stolen data from the Facebook breach was discovered by cyber security researcher Alon Gal. The tweet from Gal warns users of future scams and schemes that could result from exposed personal information.
Likely Facebook Breach Scams
Stolen personal details like email addresses and phone numbers are used for future online scams. Criminals use social engineering tactics to steal personal information about people so they can send highly personalized emails and text messages. The scam messages often address you by your first name or contain workplace details.
Their scams trick you into clicking on a link that redirects you to a scam webpage or app that steals your passwords or payment card information.
- Some scams may try to extort you into paying a ransom not to expose your details to friends.
- The tailored messages using stolen Facebook information make it more likely that you will click on a link or follow the instructions in these scam emails and texts.
- Once a scammer convinces you to click on a link, they are taken to a harmful web page I’m prompted to enter usernames and passwords.
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Millions of people reuse the same passwords across multiple online accounts. So, if a hacker can get one email and password combination, they can use it to log into your bank or credit card and steal your money.
People can safeguard their identities and their money by using a reliable antivirus app to protect phones in laptops from harmful websites.
You should also use a unique password for every single online account or app. If you have trouble remembering all these passwords, then try using a password keeper to store them for you. Password apps can sync across all your devices, so you’ll never forget and have to reset your password.
The Facebook security breach has since been patched.
