Twitter: Source code was openly accessible, personal data was not at risk

The press is currently reporting on a “data leak” on Twitter. The term “data leak” suggests that the social network has been hacked. That would mean that personal data such as passwords or e-mail addresses had fallen into the wrong hands. It is not so. SiBa can give the all-clear here.

In fact, the source code has been released by Twitter. That means: The programming of the web application Twitter has come into circulation. Specifically, it was posted on the GitHub forum, a portal where developers like to post and discuss new and modified software. The post has since been deleted. The source code can be used to further develop Twitter in terms of its functions. It is also conceivable that after publication, hackers could publish a deceptively real copy of Twitter on the web in order to actually intercept access data. For example, about so-called Phishing-Links in emails. In those, criminals could claim on behalf of Twitter that the account has been blocked, that verification is required or something similar. Clicking on the link would then fix the problem. In fact, you end up on the side of the criminals. If you carelessly enter your Twitter password there, the hackers can use it to log into the social network.

Right now, that can happen at any time. Because Twitter is actually currently asking users with blue ticks by email to become paying subscribers. The risk of criminals taking advantage of this time is therefore high.

On the one hand, SiBa advises to remain calm: There was no data leak on Twitter, only the source code was published. On the other hand, SiBa advises to be more vigilant about e-mails from supposed companies such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, but also e-mails that claim to come from banks, savings banks or parcel service providers. If you are not addressed personally in this e-mail, pressure will be built up in the e-mail so that you will be forced to click on a link if you delete this e-mail. You can also recognize such phishing emails from the sender. It is often cryptic and does not refer to the respective company.

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