Parler Wasnt Hacked, but That Doesnt Mean Its Safe to Use

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The report came from in a now-deleted tweet from conceptual artist Kevin Abosch. Abosch has used Tweets as part of art jobs in the past, and this appears to be another one.
Before it was clear who Abosch is and that the tweet was likely a stunt, Twitter users rapidly circulated it through screenshots and retweets. They confirmed that the database said to have been targeted is connected to Parler, but that it is in fact a WordPress log for Parlers main blog, which was hacked in July, but is no longer compromised.
Parallel to the exposed WordPress log are claims of a separate security defect that jeopardized over 6.3 GBs of Parler user data chosen from one of its marketing partners. These claims come from several security scientists on Twitter, including the head of cybersecurity for Joe Bidens governmental project, Jackie Singh, and Shutterstocks Application Security Engineer John Jackson, amongst others.
To summarize: theres no evidence Parler was hacked, however there does appear to be severe concerns with how Parler handles its user data– which only highlights how a Parler information breach might be much more destructive than your typical leak.
Parlers entire schtick is that it is a “complimentary speech” social media platform, and it strongly courts users with right-wing views (who frequently go there to peddle far-right conspiracies sites like Twitter and Facebook have required to identifying incorrect or deceptive). These users like Parler since there, they can reveal their viewpoints “without worry of deplatforming” (as long as they dont exceed Parlers regards to service).
Unusually, that liberty implies anyone can impersonate another user on Parler without facing much in the method of consequences. To avoid the possibility of this problem, you can sign up for an “influencer” account– Parlers variation of confirmed users– that will help you stand apart from the crowd (and the potential lookalike accounts). However making this status requires you to fork over your social security number, which allows Parler to verify your identity.
Parler states its user data is kept safely, which it erases social security numbers and other determining info once users are verified. Even if Parler is honest about its data policies and keeps your info safe, the mere act of providing your social security number is a significant danger.

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Last night, Twitter illuminated with claims that Parler, a social media platform rising in appeal among Trump supporters– especially because the election– was hacked. Parlers CEO John Matze did damage control today, highly rejecting the claim, but the reports continue flowing online. Some state the leakage has actually been dubunked (Snopes has identified the accusations incorrect), while others are determined more damning information will be revealed quickly. As the confusion lingers, were left asking: was Parler actually hacked?
Based on the proof so far, probably not, however there are still security concerns we need to address.
Lets begin with the supposed hack.

Companies mishandle user information all the time, and that details might quickly slip out someplace– such as by means of a third-party businesss poorly protected server, for example.
It likewise opens users up to possible scams and identity theft in other methods.
Phishing projects use phony social networks login pages or misleading verification e-mails to trick users into handing over passwords and high-value data. Theyre more most likely to unwittingly share it with the wrong people if someone assumes providing Parler your social security number is basic procedure.
I know I wont encourage Parler any users highly encouraged of the platforms ideals that utilizing it is a bad concept, however if youre at all concerned about data personal privacy and identity theft, certainly do not give the service your social security number or any other personal information. I recommend staying away if youre simply curious about the platform.

Last night, Twitter lit up with claims that Parler, a social media platform surging in appeal among Trump supporters– especially because the election– was hacked. They verified that the database stated to have actually been targeted is connected to Parler, however that it is in fact a WordPress log for Parlers main blog, which was hacked in July, but is no longer compromised. Parallel to the unmasked WordPress log are claims of a separate security defect that jeopardized over 6.3 GBs of Parler user information chosen from one of its marketing partners. Unusually, that flexibility implies anybody can impersonate another user on Parler without dealing with much in the method of repercussions. To head off the possibility of this problem, you can sign up for an “influencer” account– Parlers version of verified users– that will help you stand out from the crowd (and the prospective lookalike accounts).