Dating Apps Vulnerable To Hackers: IBM Study

(RTTNews) - People using dating apps on mobile phones given by their companies could be prone to hacking, placing themselves as well as employers at risk, says a study by International Business Machines Corp.

The findings shows dating apps have been gaining popularity, with millions of Americans access them, but without the alertness shown when using their email and other important websites.

In the study, IBM analyzed 26 of 41 dating apps on Google's Android mobile platform and found that the scale of vulnerability ranged from medium to high.

The study also found that 50 percent of enterprises IBM analyzed, employee-installed popular dating apps were present on mobile devices that also had access to confidential business data.

Companies provide smartphone to employees, who use them for official purpose as well as for casual uses such as accessing dating sites, which have potential hacking risks.

A recent Pew Research study found that 1 in 10 Americans have used a dating site or application, and the number of people who have dated someone they met online has grown to 66 percent over the past eight years.

So what is the motive for hackers targeting dating apps? It is possible that an insecure dating app can enable hackers to exploit users awaiting a message by sending phishing messages to access sensitive information or to install malware, the IBM study said.

A vulnerable dating app also means an hacker can control one's phone camera or microphone and can spy on personal activities and confidential business meetings.

There is also the risk that a vulnerable GPS data could lead to stalking, and a user's billing information could be misused to make online purchases.

IBM advises that dating app users be prudent about divulging personal information, use secure passwords for online accounts, apply the latest patches and updates to applications and devices, and periodically review the contact list.

As for companies, IBM recommends them to leverage enterprise mobility management capabilities to enable employees to use their own devices to access the sites while maintaining organizational security.

Meanwhile the U.S. government is reported to be setting up a new central agency to deal with cyber-security threats around the country. The agency will be tasked with integrating intelligence from various agencies and distributing information more broadly to other federal divisions.

A spate of recent high profile cyber attacks have baffled the authorities. The victims include Sony Pictures, Home Depot, Anthem, Target and the federal government itself.