Facebook Security Takes Another Serious Slam

Facebook has recently announced another massive screw-up in security on the popular social media platform.  To be specific, over the past few years Facebook has stored hundreds of millions of user passwords in plain text.  These viewable passwords were accessible by thousands of internal employees.

“My Facebook insider said access logs showed some 2,000 engineers or developers made approximately 9 million internal queries for data elements that contained plain text user passwords,” blogger Brian Krebs stated.

What’s More Serious Than Exposing Readable Passwords to Internal Employees?

The fact that any publicly traded technology company would keep passwords in a format that is not encrypted is extremely concerning.  I think it is a fair assumption by members that personal data will be secured by a company of this size.  The fact that the passwords were only available to inside employees doesn’t minimize concerns.  Additionally, one would assume a company who over the past year has experienced extreme scrutiny regarding data security would maintain a closer oversight of security compliance.

As Facebook continues to bounce from data crisis to data crisis, it will come as no surprise to see lawmakers intensify their focus on technology companies.  The latest exposed error continues to place Facebook in the bullseye of both the media and lawmakers.

Facebook maintains that security is a priority and plans to contact members at risk.  For the immediate future, now may be a good time to change your password.

For more details visit NPR here…