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

In a stinging condemnation of Meta Platforms – the tech company behind Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads – the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has issued a €251 million fine for a data breach in 2018. The breach impacted millions of Facebook users worldwide, or more than 3 million users in 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 full permission access, allowing malicious actors to access different person profiles. Scripts were used to exploit the vulnerability between September 14 and 28, 2018, affecting 29 million accounts worldwide.

Fines for GDPR Violations

Meta’s hefty fine 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 may have affected 311,074 users, but only 53 Australians actually downloaded it. 

Eligible users may submit a recovery claim in two bands: a base fee for standard distress plus an additional amount for substantiated loss or damage. Applications are anticipated 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 more stringent globally, companies need to enable significant security measures to protect personal information or risk increasing financial and reputational damage. 

So now, the critical question is: How do you prevent your data from being compromised?

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: Combining upper and lower-case letters with numbers and symbols makes guessing impossible. Even better is a reliable password manager that keeps it secure and simple. 
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): By adding more security through 2FA, even if hackers compromise your password, they still can’t access your account without another way to verify identity. This should give you a more private and secure experience. 
3. Stay wary of Phishing Attempts. Be careful with email links or attachments from unknown sources. Phishing is one of the most significant sources of data breaches, luring people into providing sensitive information. 
4. Update and Secure Devices: Carefully update devices with the latest information. Using old software can create a security breach, especially when hackers leverage those vulnerabilities.
5. Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Essentially, AVP Suite Total Security can help protect your data from malware, online usage, and web scanning to catch threats before they reach your devices.

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

How AVP Suite Protects You from Data Breaches

With the current and alarming rate of data breaches, protecting your private data is more critical than ever. Users face threats as hackers find new ways to steal their personal information including names, banking info, and private identifiers. 

This is where the AVP Suite Antivirus Software can help. It provides unparalleled cybersecurity and data protection to keep you secure online.

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

• Comprehensive Protection Against Cyber Threats

AVP Suite was built to combat current threat vectors like malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware that lead to data breaches. 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 important asset. AVP Suite has multiple tools that encrypt your sensitive information to prevent unauthorized users from accessing it. AVP Suite also ensures that your credentials remain safe whether you are purchasing online, going to your bank, or logging into your preferred sites. 

• Advanced Features for Maximum Security

AVP Suite surpasses just traditional antivirus software. Its dark web scanning will keep you apprised of whether any of your personal information has been compromised or is for sale on illegal sites. Also with phishing attacks and fake emails all over the internet, AVP Suite will prevent and block these unsafe sites from degrading your online experience.

Why Choose AVP Suite?

From online data protection to identity theft prevention, AVP Suite is the best solution to all your cybersecurity needs. Its easy-to-use interface and automatic updates will keep you one step ahead of these 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!

---