Snapchat can not kick the new year off right given the numbers telephone and the usernames of 4.6 million users were hacked and published online on Tuesday, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. After acquiring information from the picture messaging application, then published pirates in a database and displayed on the social news website Reddit and on another site, called SnapchatDB.info designated for leaking information . The site has since been deleted.
Y Snapchat users identity theft in danger of
Fortunately, hackers are not able to collect personal information that can be used in identity theft - such as users date of birth, bank details, social security number, etc. - If the identity of users are not completely in danger of flight. That said, there are still risks that Snapchats users can be vulnerable as a result of the violation.
Since the violation of Snapchat found contact information for users, there is a chance they will receive spam messages via the app or even through text messages, taking into account phone numbers were also revealed. In addition to this, Snapchat users can receive calls from unknown callers posing as their bank, school or even doctor requesting personal information in attempts to gather more information and to steal their identity phone.
How Snapchat users protect themselves?
There are some steps that users should take to ensure that their information remains safe and without spam.
1. Change your username: This may sound complicated, but it is one of the best things you can do to protect you from receiving spam messages through Snapchat. It is best to make the new user name completely different from your username because this will prevent hackers from guessing the new username.
2. Monitor messages carefully: Change your username on Snapchat prevent you from receiving spam messages via the application, however, since your phone numbers will revealed, you are still vulnerable to spam messages by SMS. Make sure you do not click on links sent to you through the text, and block the phone number if it seems phony or you receive a spam message to it.
3. Do not provide personal information to unknown callers: Be very careful when you receive a call from someone asking for your personal information, as there is a chance they could be identity thieves. The best way to handle this situation is to not reveal any information and ask the person if you can call them back. Then Google the general phone number of the bank, school or office that the person claimed to work for, and call the number. Explain to the institution you received a call from someone who claimed to work for it and want to check the caller before providing personal information. They should be able to confirm the caller and help. If they can not confirm the caller, then you should call your cell phone provider and how to get the phone number of blocked spam.
The most important thing for Snapchat users should follow the violation is just be aware. If you receive a text message or phone call that seems like phishing, contact your phone service provider and find out how you can report the spam phone number and block it to contact you.
Find more tips on how to protect your identity by visiting our blog protect against identity theft.