Dating safety app Tea suspends messaging after hack

Charlotte EdwardsTechnology reporterGetty ImagesMessaging has been turned off on the ladies’s relationship security app Tea, following a hack which has uncovered 1000’s of photos, posts and feedback. In a brand new assertion the corporate stated: “As a part of our ongoing investigation into the cybersecurity incident involving the Tea App, now we have not too long ago discovered that some direct messages (DMs) had been accessed as a part of the preliminary incident.”The app, which permits ladies to do background checks on males they could date, first stated it had been hacked in late July.It is a US-based women-only app with 1.6 million customers, who’ve been instructed to anticipate additional updates as extra info turns into accessible.”Our crew stays totally engaged in strengthening the Tea App’s safety, and we look ahead to sharing extra about these enhancements quickly,” the corporate stated.”Within the meantime, we’re working to establish any customers whose private info was concerned and will probably be providing free identification safety companies to these people.”A report from tech publication 404 Media claims among the uncovered messages embody delicate conversations round abortions and infidelity.”Conversations might embody names, particulars of previous relationships, or different non-public materials, opening the door to blackmail or emotional hurt,” cybersecurity knowledgeable Rachael Percival instructed the BBC.She stated Tea customers ought to settle for free identification safety from the corporate as quickly because it’s supplied.”It might embody credit score monitoring, fraud alerts, and identification theft insurance coverage,” she stated.Pictures hacked Kevin Marriott, senior supervisor of at cybersecurity agency Immersive, stated Tea’s replace will probably be “regarding for customers who’ve shared private particulars, addresses, and meet-up areas”.”The truth that criminals probably have each photos and the related account’s direct messages ought to elevate the extent of concern amongst customers.”Mr Marriott stated customers ought to stay vigilant as they wait to see what hackers plan to do with the stolen info.Tea lets ladies examine whether or not potential companions are married or registered intercourse offenders in addition to run reverse picture searches to guard in opposition to “catfishing”, the place individuals use pretend on-line identities.One of the vital controversial points of Tea is that it permits ladies to share info on males they’ve dated to “keep away from crimson flags” – probably abusive behaviours – but additionally spotlight these with “inexperienced flag” qualities.It beforehand revealed that hackers had accessed 72,000 photos submitted by its customers.Some included photos of girls holding picture identification for verification functions, which Tea’s personal privateness coverage guarantees are “deleted instantly” after authentication.Tea stated the breach affected members who signed up earlier than February 2024.The app has not too long ago skilled a surge in recognition – in addition to criticism from some who declare it’s anti-men.