Meta spying: 50,000 Facebook users receive security warning

Social networks are not only used to form and maintain friendships. Unfortunately, many users on Facebook and the like also have bad intentions. In particular, the issue of contract espionage is playing an increasingly important role. Facebook has now reacted and alerted just under 50,000 users of its network to the dangers. Seven networks were also closed without further ado.

Human security vulnerabilities are underestimated

If you take a look at public reports, it almost always seems as if technical security vulnerabilities are a feast for hackers. But this is often not the case. In fact, cybercriminals are increasingly using human relationships to gain access to sensitive data. Once a relationship has been established, passwords and other sensitive data can be obtained bit by bit. This problem has now been pointed out by security experts from the Internet company Meta. There have been many such attempts at Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp in the past.

Special services of companies

With its approach, Meta wants to ensure that a new sense of any risks is awakened among users. After all, certain acts can already be prevented by not letting the cybercriminals get to them in the first place. In the process, many perpetrators make their communication attempts, which are almost reminiscent of espionage, look nice. Many of those contacted are themselves criminals who move in child molester circles, for example. However, if you look at reality, all this no longer has much to do with vigilante justice, but in part with targeted state action. The focus is no longer only on criminals. Many of the spies also aim to intimidate media representatives or opposition figures. The espionage work is offered by special companies. According to Meta, their networks have already been deleted. Also in the game is a team originating from China.

Companies should offer more transparency

Meta vows to nip future espionage attempts in the bud. In order to be able to reach this goal, one would like to bring different demands to the networks into play. For one, this includes much more transparency. For example, the companies should openly communicate their clients. On top of that, Meta demands much closer cooperation between different service providers and portals. This does not only concern the detection of suspected spies. Common methods should also be researched so that it is possible to combat the misuse of social networks in advance.

The Internet company has already reacted and removed the companies in question from its network. This seems to be probably the most effective step against these processes. Another demand that Meta also makes is for more consistent action on the part of the countries concerned. Not only should there be watertight laws, but they should also react with other mechanisms, such as export restrictions. In addition, state authorities such as the police should not be allowed to deliberately rely on the support of such companies.