A massive leak reveals location data of users who use certain apps whose permission is required to function.
Computer security has become one of the most important topics for all users. Privacy data is important, since a lot of this information may be running around on the Internet, so some malicious people may know where you are at the moment or the tone of your voice. Something very delicate.
All this data is known due to leaks or hackinglike what just happened. A huge leak from Gravy Analytics has exposed some data such as the location of some users of apps like Tinder. What happened?
Massive Data Leaks Reveal User Movements
Gravy Analytics, a data broker specializing in location tracking for millions of iPhone and Android users, has been the victim of a serious security breach. The incident, initially reported by 404Mediahas been confirmed with leaked data that reveals the magnitude of the exposure.
The breach has exposed precise location data of millions of usersrevealing details such as frequented places, including homes and workplaces. This sensitive information originates from a practice known as real-time auction, used to determine which ads are shown to users.
During this almost instantaneous process, Advertisers access information related to devices, such as manufacturer detailsIP addresses and, in some cases, precise location data if permissions have been granted.
Zach Whittaker de TechCrunch explains:
“Advertisers and data brokers can combine these bid stream data points with other information to build detailed profiles of individuals, covering their routines and locations.”
Gravy Analytics, one of the brokers that handles this data, is now facing the consequences of this breach, as the stored information has begun to circulate publicly online.
The leak comes from some data that apps use to offer better services, such as real-time location
What popular apps have been affected?
The leak affects users from several widely used applications in various categorieslike notes WIRED’s Joseph Cox. The list includes:
- Dating platforms: Tinder, Grindr
- Juegos móviles: Candy Crush, Temple Run, Subway Surfers, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
- Salud y fitness: MyFitnessPal, My Period Calendar & Tracker
- Social networks and communication: Tumblr, Yahoo Mail
- Productivity: Microsoft Office 365
- Other utilities: Moovit, Flightradar24
- Religious Apps: Muslim Prayer Apps, Bible Study Tools
- VPN Services: Various Privacy-Focused Applications
Good News for iPhone Users?
Despite the worrying nature of the leak, there is a glimmer of hope for iPhone users. According to Baptiste Robert, CEO of Predicta Lab, Apple’s “Ask app not to track” feature likely protected those who chose not to be tracked. Apple has not issued an official statement regarding the breach. However, if Robert’s assessment is correct, iPhone users who declined tracking permissions could be significantly less affected by the incident.
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Source: ipadizate.com
