They share millions of stolen Twitter data
This is a massive theft that happened a few months ago via an API vulnerability. In total it has affected more than 5 million users. All that data has now been leaked on an internet forum and exposed to anyone for free. These data are information such as private telephone numbers, email, etc. Basically it is data that the victims have not made public on this social network.
The api error it was based on a function that allowed sending a phone number or email to the API to retrieve an associated Twitter ID. By exploiting this flaw, attackers could extract public information from that account and create a user record that also contained private data.
The problem is that all this is not has been publicly exposed until now. All the data of 5.4 million Twitter users in total, have been leaked in open forums on the Internet. This data, beyond the phone number or email, also contains information such as the number of followers, the URL of the profile image, location, who the account follows, etc.
According to the computer security researchers behind this discovery, this affects a Twitter user from the US and also from Europe. They have been able to confirm with many users that these leaked data are real.
How to avoid additional problems
Hackers could use this data to try to scam the victim. If you have been unlucky and your data has been leaked, an attacker could take advantage of it to send you an SMS or an e-mail now that he knows that data. In this way, it could alert you to a supposed problem in your Twitter account, for example saying that they are going to suspend the account, and ask you to do something.
In that case we would be facing a Phishing attack that simply seeks to steal your password and take control of the account. Never log in, or send data of any kind, through a link that you have received by SMS or email. That can be a major problem and put your security at risk.
It is also important that you protect your account very well. Use a good password, change it regularly, and never log into sites that may be insecure. In addition, you should always use official programs. Avoid third-party applications, even though they may have certain advantages, since they could have uncorrected vulnerabilities and that will pose a significant problem for your security.
In short, as you can see, millions of stolen Twitter data have been leaked. This can be used to launch Phishing campaigns and it is essential not to fall for it and avoid clicking on any links we receive. You can always see apps linked to social networks and keep safe.
