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.
Aegis Authenticator, in case someone was wondering what to use
I still use Authy, I know it’s frowned upon in the privacy community but it’s worked well enough for me so far. With them shutting down their desktop app though I see no reason not to switch to Aegis at some point in the near future. Just a pain in the backside setting it all up again as Authy doesn’t let you export your 2FA.
If you have a rooted phone, Aegis can import from several other apps, including Authy, automatically.
But don’t try to root your unrooted phone to unlock that capability. Rooting requires wiping the device, so you lose your data in the process.
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?
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)
Thanks, what level would you recommend for an more or less average user? Would guess my most sensitive data are bank and google account.
On top of all the other good answers, someone can also just SIM hijack your phone number by social engineering your phone provider into activating a new SIM card.
And it’s usually much easier than one would think/hope.
SMS-based can be intercepted, while app-based are calculated on your phone. If you’re using SMS -based, all someone needs to do is take over your phone, and they’re getting your 2FA codes. Here’s how easy that is: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lc7scxvKQOo
Here is an alternative Piped link(s):
https://m.piped.video/watch?v=lc7scxvKQOo
Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.
I’m open-source; check me out at GitHub.
Cause SMS is not encrypted, so your phone provider and any routing company like this one can read your texts, phone numbers can be spoofed (not sure about this one), or stolen via social engineering (someone calls your phone provider claiming it’s you and u lost your phone or something, then gets access to your number).
There’s probably a lot more issues with it, i don’t remember them atm, but should be pretty easy to find with a search if you’re still curious.
