Meta Pays €251 Million Data Breach Fine: Data Safety Tips

In a major blow to Meta Platforms, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has levied a €251 million (approximately $263 million) fine for a 2018 data breach. The breach impacted millions of Facebook users worldwide, including roughly 3 million within the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA).

Let’s now learn more about how this data breach caused Meta good fortune and how you can remain safe from data breaches. 

Keep reading!

A Breach That Shook Millions

The breach, disclosed in September 2018, exploited a worm in Facebook’s “View As” characteristic, which lets users peer their profiles as others do. The flaw, brought in July 2017, enabled attackers to generate access tokens and break into user accounts. These tokens acted as virtual keys, enabling complete access to compromised profiles.

Among the uncovered private data were customers’ names, email addresses, phone numbers, locations, workplaces, dates of birth, or even sensitive data along with religion, gender, posts, group memberships, and children’s information. The DPC explained how the bug was exploited: “A user using [the View As] feature could invoke the video uploader in conjunction with Facebook’s ‘Happy Birthday Composer’ facility.“

This mixture inadvertently generated fully permissioned access, allowing malicious actors to access different person profiles. Scripts were used to make the most of the vulnerability between September 14 and 28, 2018, affecting 29 million accounts worldwide.  

Fines for GDPR Violations

Meta’s hefty great stems from violations of 4 key clauses underneath the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

1. Incomplete breach notification: Meta failed to provide enough details in its breach notification. 
2. Improper documentation: The corporation did not effectively file the data, take remediation steps, or ensure verifiable compliance. 
3. Design flaws: Meta failed to incorporate data and safety concepts into the device’s layout. 
4. Negligence as a data controller: The agency did not restrict private information processing to what became essential. 

DPC Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle highlighted the gravity of Meta’s oversight, saying, “The vulnerabilities behind this breach caused a grave risk of misuse of these types of data, exposing individuals to very serious risks and harms.”

Related Read: What Personal Data Are Companies Tracking and How Can You Stay Safe?

Repeat Offender

This isn’t Meta’s first run-in with the DPC. In September 2024, the organization was fined €91 million ($101.5 million) for a separate 2019 incident concerning storing consumer passwords in plaintext.

Meta’s Legal Woes Down Under

Beyond Europe, Meta is likewise addressing concerns about data privacy in Australia. The enterprise has agreed to an AU$50 million ($31.5 million) settlement with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) over the misuse of personal data for political profiling and ad concentrated in the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal.

The settlement covers individuals who had Facebook accounts between November 2, 2013, and December 17, 2015, and either installed the “This is Your Digital Life” app or were Facebook friends with someone who did. The app’s activities potentially affected 311,074 users, with only 53 Australians directly installing it.

Eligible users can follow for reimbursement in two ranges: a base fee for standard misery and an extra price for demonstrable loss or damage. Applications are expected to open in mid-2025. Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd remarked, “This resolution addresses privacy concerns from the Cambridge Analytica matter and offers affected Australians an avenue for redress.”

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Botnet Attacks and Data Protection

Lessons for the Tech World

Meta’s latest fine highlights the critical importance of integrating data protection into system design and the serious consequences of ignoring GDPR standards. As privacy laws become stricter worldwide, businesses must prioritize strong security measures to protect user data or face growing financial and reputational damage.

So now comes the main concern: how to secure your personal data from getting breached? Let’s see how!

How to Be Safe from a Data Breach

In today’s digital-first world, a single data breach can ruin your personal and financial life. Cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities, but you can defeat them with proper precautions. 

Let’s dive into practical steps to protect your data:

1. Strengthen Your Password Game: Use a strong and unique password for each account. Combining upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters makes it nearly impossible to crack your password. Better yet, rely on a trusted password manager to keep it simple and secure. 
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of protection through 2FA ensures that even if hackers get your password, they can’t access your accounts without a second verification step. This keeps your data more secure and private.
3. Stay Wary of Phishing Attempts: Watch out for email links or attachments from unknown sources. Phishing attacks are a significant source of data breaches, tricking users into revealing sensitive information. 
4. Update and Secure Devices:  Always update your devices with the latest information. Older software has security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
5. Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Tools like AVP Suite Total Security provide malware protection, online data protection, and web scanning features that detect and neutralize threats before they even reach your devices.

Also Read: US Telecoms Targeted by Chinese Hackers: Data Security Tips

How AVP Suite Protects You from Data Breaches

In an age where data breaches are alarmingly increasing, securing your private data is more essential than ever. Hackers continuously find new approaches to steal personal information, from monetary details to private identifiers. This is wherein AVP Suite Antivirus Software steps in, presenting unmatched cybersecurity and data protection to secure you online.

Let’s see how AVP shields you from data breaches: 

• Comprehensive Protection Against Cyber Threats

AVP Suite is designed to combat contemporary threats like malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware, which often function as gateways for data breaches. Its real-time malware safety detects and neutralizes harmful applications before they can compromise your device.

• Safeguarding Personal Data

Your private information is your most valuable asset. AVP Suite’s data breach prevention tools encrypt vital data, making it impossible for unauthorized entities to access it. Whether shopping online, accessing your bank account, or logging into your favorite platforms, AVP Suite guarantees that your credentials stay safe.

• Advanced Features for Maximum Security

AVP Suite leaves behind the conventional antivirus software. Its dark web scanning sends you information about whether your private data has been compromised or is vulnerable to being sold on unlawful platforms. In the anti-phishing era, fake emails and unsafe websites are flagged and blocked, ensuring a safe browsing experience.

Why Choose AVP Suite?

From online data protection to identity theft prevention, AVP Suite ensures an all-in-one solution for your cybersecurity requirements, keeping your data exclusively yours. Its user-friendly interface and automated updates ensure you’re continually one step ahead of hackers.

So, what are you waiting for? 

Take control of your data security today with AVP Suite and enjoy peace of mind knowing your digital life is protected. Protect now, and worry less!

Try AVP Suite for Free!

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