We’ve all been there—scrolling through Tinder, playing a round of Candy Crush, or checking out the latest trends on social media. These apps are a go-to for entertainment and socialising, but recent news has shown that they might not be as harmless as they seem. A major data breach at Gravy Analytics, a location data broker, has revealed that hackers were able to access sensitive information from some of the most popular apps, including Candy Crush and Tinder. If you’ve ever used these apps, your personal data could be at risk.
The breach occurred at Gravy Analytics, a company that collects and sells location data. This data is gathered from apps that don’t always have a direct partnership with the broker. In fact, many apps we use daily, like Candy Crush and Tinder, were part of the leaked data. The breach exposed terabytes of sensitive information, including real-time location data from millions of devices around the world. Some of the leaked data even came from high-security locations, such as military bases and the White House. This incident highlights how easily personal information can fall into the wrong hands.
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The breach is particularly alarming because it’s not the first time Gravy Analytics has faced scrutiny. Just weeks before the breach, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had prohibited the company from selling location data without user consent. Despite this, the breach exposed a massive amount of sensitive location information, making it even more concerning. It’s an important reminder that popular apps, which we often trust without thinking, could be tracking and sharing our private data without our knowledge.
While we can’t undo the damage caused by this breach, there are steps you can take to protect your personal information moving forward. First, regularly check the permissions of the apps you use. If an app doesn’t need access to your location or other sensitive data, turn off those permissions. For iPhone users, you can enable the “Ask Apps Not to Track” option in your settings. Android users can also manage app permissions through their settings. When installing new apps, avoid granting blanket permissions and take the time to review what each app is asking for.