Courting security app Tea suspends messaging after hack

Messaging has been turned off on the ladies’s relationship security app Tea, following a hack which has uncovered 1000’s of photographs, 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’ve just lately realized that some direct messages (DMs) had been accessed as a part of the preliminary incident.”

The app, which permits girls to do background checks on males they may 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 instructed to anticipate additional updates as extra info turns into obtainable.

“Our staff stays totally 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 info was concerned and will likely be providing free id safety providers to these people.”

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

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

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

“It could embody credit score monitoring, fraud alerts, and id theft insurance coverage,” she stated.

Kevin Marriott, senior supervisor of at cybersecurity agency Immersive, stated Tea’s replace will likely be “regarding for customers who’ve shared private particulars, addresses, and meet-up places”.

“The truth that criminals doubtlessly have each photographs and the related account’s direct messages ought to increase 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 info.

Tea lets girls examine whether or not potential companions are married or registered intercourse offenders in addition to run reverse picture searches to guard towards “catfishing”, the place folks use pretend on-line identities.

One of the vital controversial points of Tea is that it permits girls to share info 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 photographs submitted by its customers.

Some included photographs 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 just lately skilled a surge in recognition – in addition to criticism from some who declare it’s anti-men.