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Flickr Probes Potential Data Exposure Linked to Third-Party Email Vendor

Flickr says passwords and payment card numbers were not affected.

Overview

  • Flickr detected a vulnerability on February 5 in a system run by an external email provider and disabled access to that system within hours.
  • The company is notifying users that names, email addresses, usernames, account types, IP addresses, general location, and activity data may have been exposed.
  • The affected provider has not been identified and Flickr has not disclosed how many accounts could be impacted.
  • Users are urged to review account settings, watch for phishing attempts, and change reused passwords, with Flickr stressing it will never ask for a password by email.
  • Flickr says it is investigating and tightening oversight of third-party services; SecurityWeek reports no public claims of stolen data, and Hackread reports regulators have been notified.