this post was submitted on 01 Mar 2024
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381
Tech Company Leaks 2FA Codes/Password Reset Links for Major Platforms (techcrunch.com)
submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/technology
75 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

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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[–] [email protected] 51 points 10 months ago (5 children)

Aegis Authenticator, in case someone was wondering what to use

[–] MasterHound 10 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (2 children)

I still use Authy, I know it's frowned upon in the privacy community but it's worked well enough for me so far. With them shutting down their desktop app though I see no reason not to switch to Aegis at some point in the near future. Just a pain in the backside setting it all up again as Authy doesn't let you export your 2FA.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

If you have a rooted phone, Aegis can import from several other apps, including Authy, automatically.

But don't try to root your unrooted phone to unlock that capability. Rooting requires wiping the device, so you lose your data in the process.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

But authy can backup your codes, so nothing will be lost

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

Last time I used Authy, you had to sync codes to another device, IIRC. Still, most peoples' phones have a lot more than just auth codes on them. My warning was meant to address all those other data, too.

But now that I think about it, wiping and rooting a fresh/temporary device, syncing Authy, exporting with Aegis, then importing back to your main device would work...

[–] [email protected] 9 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

For iOS, 2FAS, ente or Strongbox.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Is there a way to sync 2FAS between devices and browsers? I tried using it but couldn't get things to sync. I often have instances where I don't have access to my phone, so I need something browser based.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago (5 children)

I'm not that tech savy, so I was under the impression sms 2FA was the best way to go - why is app based authentication better?

[–] [email protected] 23 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Someone already explained it, but here's a ranking of the different methods which are commonly used in terms of security, from bad to good:

  • No 2FA
  • SMS/Phone-based TOTP (TOTP = the normally 6 digit code)
  • App-based TOTP
  • Hardware-token-based TOTP
  • Hardware-token (Fido2/WebAuthn/Passkeys)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Thanks, what level would you recommend for an more or less average user? Would guess my most sensitive data are bank and google account.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Go app based, and keep it something that doesn't sync (preferably) to external servers.

I'm using andOTP currently for mine. You can create backups every now and again and store them off your phone for safe keeping too 🙂

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Thank you, will look more into it.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 10 months ago (1 children)

On top of all the other good answers, someone can also just SIM hijack your phone number by social engineering your phone provider into activating a new SIM card.
And it's usually much easier than one would think/hope.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm convinced, will switch to app authentication.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

Make sure you backup your vault and/or keep the backup "paper codes" somewhere safe.
Aegis, for example, can automatically backup an encrypted vault.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 10 months ago (1 children)

SMS-based can be intercepted, while app-based are calculated on your phone. If you're using SMS -based, all someone needs to do is take over your phone, and they're getting your 2FA codes. Here's how easy that is: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lc7scxvKQOo

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Here is an alternative Piped link(s):

https://m.piped.video/watch?v=lc7scxvKQOo

Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.

I'm open-source; check me out at GitHub.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Cause SMS is not encrypted, so your phone provider and any routing company like this one can read your texts, phone numbers can be spoofed (not sure about this one), or stolen via social engineering (someone calls your phone provider claiming it's you and u lost your phone or something, then gets access to your number).

There's probably a lot more issues with it, i don't remember them atm, but should be pretty easy to find with a search if you're still curious.

[–] FuryMaker 3 points 10 months ago

Also, physical phone stolen, and the thief just pops the simcard out and puts it in another phone.

[–] kmartburrito 4 points 10 months ago (1 children)

SMS 2fa has been recommended NOT to use since 2016.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

That message did not arrived at general population.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

I'm using ente auth also open source and decent.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

I'm partial to AndOTP myself.