this post was submitted on 01 Mar 2024
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288
Tech Company Leaks 2FA Codes/Password Reset Links for Major Platforms (techcrunch.com)
submitted 8 months ago by Squire1039@lemm.ee to c/technology@lemmy.world
74 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

A security breach exposed two-factor authentication (2FA) codes/password reset links for millions of users on platforms like Facebook, Google, and TikTok.

Key Points:

  • YX International, an SMS routing company, left an internal database exposed online without a password.
  • The database contained one-time 2FA codes and password reset links for various tech giants.
  • YX International secured the database and claims to have "sealed the vulnerability."
  • The company wouldn't confirm how long the database was exposed or if anyone else accessed it.
  • Representatives from Meta, Google, and TikTok haven't commented yet.

Concerns:

  • This leak highlights the vulnerabilities of SMS-based 2FA compared to app-based methods.
  • The lack of information regarding the leak's duration and potential access by others raises concerns.

Gemini Recommendations:

  • Consider switching to app-based 2FA for increased security.
  • Be cautious of suspicious communications and avoid clicking unknown links.
  • Stay informed about potential security breaches affecting your online accounts.
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[–] gapbetweenus@feddit.de 3 points 8 months ago (13 children)

I'm not that tech savy, so I was under the impression sms 2FA was the best way to go - why is app based authentication better?

[–] nekusoul@lemmy.nekusoul.de 23 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (3 children)

Someone already explained it, but here's a ranking of the different methods which are commonly used in terms of security, from bad to good:

  • No 2FA
  • SMS/Phone-based TOTP (TOTP = the normally 6 digit code)
  • App-based TOTP
  • Hardware-token-based TOTP
  • Hardware-token (Fido2/WebAuthn/Passkeys)
[–] gapbetweenus@feddit.de 1 points 8 months ago (2 children)

Thanks, what level would you recommend for an more or less average user? Would guess my most sensitive data are bank and google account.

[–] bravesilvernest@lemmy.ml 7 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Go app based, and keep it something that doesn't sync (preferably) to external servers.

I'm using andOTP currently for mine. You can create backups every now and again and store them off your phone for safe keeping too 🙂

[–] gapbetweenus@feddit.de 1 points 8 months ago

Thank you, will look more into it.

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