Flipboard database hacked

Hyderabad: The database of news aggregation application Flipboard was hacked as a result of which, the hackers have acquired users' real names, usernames, cryptographically protected passwords, email addresses, and even digital tokens of users who might have linked their Flipboard account to third-party social media accounts.

Hackers had access to the aforesaid details for about 10 months before it came to the notice of Flipboard’s digital team. However, the company reassured its users in a recent statement that all passwords had been reset and not all user IDs were compromised.

The official statement issued by Flipboard stated: “Unknown hackers managed to gain and retain unauthorised access to our systems for nearly 10 months — between June 2, 2018, and March 23, 2019, and then again on April 21-22, 2019.”

The company has sought the help of a law enforcement agency, and the investigation is underway. Flipboard further clarified that it had not observed any unauthorised access to third-party accounts and is still in the process of determining the total number of users who were affected.

“You may continue to use Flipboard on the devices from which you are already logged in. However, if you’re accessing your Flipboard account from a new device or if you’re logging in to Flipboard after logging out of your account, you will be asked to create a new password,” the notice said.

Flipboard is a news aggregator. The app’s makers do not collect financial data or government ID information.