Source URL: https://it.slashdot.org/story/25/01/20/1857213/employees-of-failed-startups-are-at-special-risk-of-stolen-personal-data-through-old-google-logins?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Employees of Failed Startups Are at Special Risk of Stolen Personal Data Through Old Google Logins
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AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses a security vulnerability that allows hackers to exploit abandoned domains and existing Google login systems to access sensitive data from former startup employees. This highlights a significant security risk within startups, particularly regarding their reliance on third-party authentication methods.
Detailed Description:
The vulnerability exposed by security researcher Dylan Ayrey at the ShmooCon conference raises critical concerns for information security, particularly for startups that use “Sign in with Google” features. Here are the major points of the discussion:
– **Vulnerability Identification:** Ayrey demonstrated that by purchasing an abandoned domain of a failed startup, he could gain access to sensitive applications like ChatGPT, Slack, Notion, Zoom, and HR systems that contained personal information such as Social Security numbers.
– **Scope of the Issue:** His research pointed out that there are approximately 116,000 domains from failed tech startups currently available for acquisition, posing a systemic risk if not addressed.
– **Google’s Role:**
– Google offers a security feature known as the OAuth “sub-identifier” system, which is designed to enhance security.
– However, many service providers are hesitant to implement it due to concerns over the reliability of the system, which Google contests.
– **Response from Google:** Initially, Google dismissed Ayrey’s findings as fraud-related but later reevaluated the situation and awarded him a $1,337 bounty for his discovery. Despite this acknowledgment, there has been no technical fix implemented by Google to address the vulnerability, although they have updated their documentation.
– **Implications for Startup Security:**
– Startups must be aware of the potential risks around reliance on third-party authentication methods and the management of their domains post-failure.
– Implementing a robust security posture, including using more secure authentication methods and understanding the implications of domain ownership, is critical in protecting sensitive information.
In conclusion, this topic is highly relevant for professionals in security compliance as it emphasizes the need for better security practices among startups, especially regarding domain management and authentication strategies. Understanding this vulnerability can help mitigate risks tied to information security and privacy.