Relationship security app Tea suspends messaging after hack

Messaging has been turned off on the ladies’s courting 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, we have now lately realized 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 advised to count on additional updates as extra data turns into accessible.

“Our workforce stays absolutely engaged in strengthening the Tea App’s safety, and we stay up for sharing extra about these enhancements quickly,” the corporate stated.

“Within the meantime, we’re working to determine any customers whose private data was concerned and will probably be providing free identification safety providers to these people.”

A report from tech publication 404 Media claims a number of the uncovered messages embrace delicate conversations round abortions and infidelity.

“Conversations might embrace names, particulars of previous relationships, or different personal materials, opening the door to blackmail or emotional hurt,” cybersecurity knowledgeable Rachael Percival advised the BBC.

She stated Tea customers ought to settle for free identification safety from the corporate as quickly because it’s provided.

“It might embrace credit score monitoring, fraud alerts, and identification theft insurance coverage,” she stated.

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 places”.

“The truth that criminals doubtlessly 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 data.

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.

Probably the most controversial elements of Tea is that it permits ladies to share data on males they’ve dated to “keep away from purple flags” – doubtlessly abusive behaviours – but in addition spotlight these with “inexperienced flag” qualities.

It beforehand revealed that hackers had accessed 72,000 photos submitted by its customers.

Some included photos of ladies 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 lately skilled a surge in reputation – in addition to criticism from some who declare it’s anti-men.