NDM

Snapchat reacts to hacking group releasing millions of phone numbers

The creators of Snapchat have responded to the release of millions of users’ details, exposed when hackers published a partially redacted database matching usernames to phone numbers, but have stopped short of issuing an apology.

The database of millions of US users was uploaded by an anonymous group called SnapchatDB. The last two digits of phone numbers were redacted “to minimise spam and abuse”, but the group said it would consider releasing the unredacted data “under certain circumstances”.

Snapchat has acknowledged a security flaw – first pointed out to it several months ago – and said it would release an update of the app to let users opt out of the vulnerable “Find Friends” function which searches for users in your phone’s address book.

A report about the potential abuse of the Find Friends function was released in August 2013. On Christmas Eve an Australian security research group, Gibson Security, revealed further details of vulnerabilities and said Snapchat had not responded to its warnings.

This usually happens to IPhone apps when they are starting to get very popular,  i believe that many of target audience (which would be young adults and teens) will be more careful with the way they use Snapchat and increase their privacy. This could cause a lot of people to delete the app just in case of any further hacking with other accounts, this could also affect Snapchat financially.