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 hundreds of photos, posts and feedback.

In a brand new assertion the corporate mentioned: “As a part of our ongoing investigation into the cybersecurity incident involving the Tea App, we have now lately discovered that some direct messages (DMs) have been accessed as a part of the preliminary incident.”

The app, which permits ladies to do background checks on males they could date, first mentioned 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 data turns into out there.

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

“Within the meantime, we’re working to establish 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 few of the uncovered messages embody delicate conversations round abortions and infidelity.

“Conversations may embody names, particulars of previous relationships, or different non-public materials, opening the door to blackmail or emotional hurt,” cybersecurity professional Rachael Percival instructed the BBC.

She mentioned 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 mentioned.

Kevin Marriott, senior supervisor of at cybersecurity agency Immersive, mentioned 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 mentioned customers ought to stay vigilant as they wait to see what hackers plan to do with the stolen data.

Tea lets ladies verify 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 faux on-line identities.

One of the vital controversial features 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 girls holding photograph identification for verification functions, which Tea’s personal privateness coverage guarantees are “deleted instantly” after authentication.

Tea mentioned the breach affected members who signed up earlier than February 2024.

The app has lately skilled a surge in recognition – in addition to criticism from some who declare it’s anti-men.