Access to a database that allegedly contains 500 million users’ private information is sold on a cybercrime forum. Motherboard reports that the database, which houses data that came from Facebook more than two years ago, contains people’s phone numbers. In addition, prospective stalkers can then use an automated bot for (messaging app) Telegram, which enables hackers to look up these numbers to bind them to an identity. Access is sold on a search basis, with a single tracking costing $ 20, though you can purchase up to 10,000 search credits at a time.
According to the report, the bot tested itself and found that it could identify the number of a user who prefers to keep their phone number private. It is said that Facebook has confirmed that the data breach is real and that it is a security issue that was resolved in August 2019. He added that he had tested the system and found that the current Facebook IDs were not found in the leak. However, this means that if your phone number was linked to Facebook’s database before August 2019, your details may be for sale. Users should be on the lookout for an increase in spam calls, and their accounts should contain as little data as possible.