Twitter recently warned a number of users that they might be the focus of security breaches by state-sponsored actors.
Twitter stated that at the moment, they have no evidence that the state-sanctioned activity acquired information from user accounts, although they are actively investigating the issue. Coldhak, a nonprofit organization based in Canada, that received a letter from Twitter, shared a copy of it online. Twitter added that they wished that they had more information to share, but actually do not have any more at present.
Moreover, Twitter recently forwarded emails to various users, cautioning them that there may be hackers consented by the government to acquire user details like email addresses, phone numbers and IP addresses. The emails stated that Twitter is uncertain whether personal information was taken from users, but believes that they were being targeted, BBC revealed.
CNet noted that the emails advised users to practice the right precautions to protect their personal information. Twitter also shared a link to information on Tor, a software that lets users communicate anonymously online. Different users received the warnings, including journalists and security researchers. A Twitter spokesperson confirmed that the emails were authentic but did not provide more statements.
Similar warnings have been provided by other sites like Google and Facebook, which show that state-sponsored hacks are becoming more numerous, which may be used to acquire intellectual property and information from the government. In the past, the United States and China have accused each other of high-tech espionage, while Sony Entertainment was also the target of a huge hack which was purportedly staged by people working for the North Korea government, CNet reported. The Syrian Electronic Army has also tapped into the accounts of media outlets like CBS, the Associated Press, BBC, NPR and the Guardian. Business Insider cited that some of the major hacks and security breaches in 2015 involved Mac OS X, Android devices, Ashley Madison online dating service, Dell computers, OnStar system and American government websites.
It is actually the first time that Twitter has issued a warning, BBC reported. Users of mobile devices should also learn how to exercise caution especially when using apps and social media sites.
Hacking activities are becoming much more common at present, which should remind users everywhere, especially those in social media sites, to be especially vigilant in protecting their personal data. Suspicious activities should be reported immediately.
More updates and details on the potential hacking activity and targets are expected to come out soon.