A security breach exposed two-factor authentication (2FA) codes/password reset links for millions of users on platforms like Facebook, Google, and TikTok.
Key Points:
- YX International, an SMS routing company, left an internal database exposed online without a password.
- The database contained one-time 2FA codes and password reset links for various tech giants.
- YX International secured the database and claims to have “sealed the vulnerability.”
- The company wouldn’t confirm how long the database was exposed or if anyone else accessed it.
- Representatives from Meta, Google, and TikTok haven’t commented yet.
Concerns:
- This leak highlights the vulnerabilities of SMS-based 2FA compared to app-based methods.
- The lack of information regarding the leak’s duration and potential access by others raises concerns.
Gemini Recommendations:
- Consider switching to app-based 2FA for increased security.
- Be cautious of suspicious communications and avoid clicking unknown links.
- Stay informed about potential security breaches affecting your online accounts.
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Not only are you rude, but you are the one who isn’t understanding.
Nobody is “outsourcing security”. You have failed to comprehend the situation and instead of accepting your own ignorance you’ve turned around and been an ass to the person who tried to answer your question
Do better
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No, it doesn’t need sms for 2fa, that’s the entire point of google authenticator. But tons of users are technologically ignorant and just don’t grok how TOTP 2fa works. So Google included the least secure option for 2fa with the reasoning that something is better than nothing.
As the initial responder pointed out Google is not an SMS company, so it’s not super surprising that they outsourced part of the routing process for conventional sms delivery.
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