Facebook, Google users threatened by new security flaw: Report

Image
ANI Washington
Last Updated : May 06 2014 | 2:56 PM IST

Facebook, Twitter, Google, Microsoft and many other online services users have been hit by a serious new security flaw.

The flaw in two widely used security standards could give anyone access to your account information at any of the online services.

According to Fox News, the flaw, dubbed 'Covert Redirect' by its discoverer, exists in two open-source session-authorization protocols, OAuth 2.0 and OpenID.

Both standards are employed across the Internet to let users log into websites using their credentials from other sites.

Attackers could exploit the flaw to disguise and launch phishing attempts from legitimate websites.

According to the report, the biggest danger of Covert Redirect is that it could be used to conduct phishing attacks, in which cyber criminals seize login credentials, by using email messages containing links to malicious websites disguised as something their targets might want to visit.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 06 2014 | 2:39 PM IST

Next Story