Houseparty users claim app ‘has been HACKED’ – but creators deny breach – The Sun, Thesun.co.uk
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RUMOURS that popular video-calling app Houseparty has been “hacked” are spreading like wildfire online – but its creators deny a breach.
The chat app has quickly become a viral hit in recent weeks, but terrified users are now deleting the app over fears Houseparty has been compromised.
Houseparty is a wildly popular video chat app
As the world goes into lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis, internet users have flocked to Houseparty.
The hit app lets friends and family make video calls, play games and hang out in a virtual “house party”.
However, large numbers of users on Twitter are reporting that they’ve had Spotify, PayPal and bank accounts hacked after downloading the app.
But the app’s owner Epic Games – the company behind popular games Fortnite and Gears of War – deny that a breach has taken place.
Users are claiming that Houseparty has been hacked, but There is little evidence so far
“We’ve found no evidence to suggest a link between Houseparty and the compromises of other unrelated accounts,” an Epic Games spokesperson told The Sun.
“As a general rule, we suggest all users choose strong passwords when creating online accounts on any platform.
“Use a unique password for each account, and use a password generator or password manager to keep track of passwords, rather than using passwords that are short and simple.”
Users are reporting major issues after downloading the chat app, however.
One user wrote: “BOYCOTT HOUSEPARTY, just found out that’s how my Spotify was hacked and how many others are being hacked on various things, disconnect snapchat and delete account.”
Another said: “Everyone who has the house party app I advise you to delete your account and delete the app as this is seemingly how fraud is happening and people’s emails etc are getting hacked.
“I know a lot of people will have this app.”
And one wrote: “DELETE HOUSEPARTY! My PayPal which was with the same email address has been hacked and money taken from my bank!
They added: “It’s happened to other people too.”
So has House Party been hacked?
The Houseparty app is being linked to account-hacking across multiple platforms, users say
Houseparty claims – an expert weighs in
Here’s what Javvad Malik, Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4, told The Sun …
There are a lot of comments on social media about accounts getting taken over with the finger of blame being pointed at Houseparty.
“There is no evidence to prove these claims, and neither is it clear how these accounts are being breached.
“It could be that bad actors have gained access to the passwords of Houseparty users and using those passwords against other websites.
“Or it could very well be that the Houseparty app itself has been compromised and is stealing the credentials of users.
“Affected individuals are advising people to delete their Houseparty account and delete the app off their device. “In addition, users should change their passwords to ensure they are strong and unique across different sites.
“In addition, they should enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) on sites wherever it is available.
“Unfortunately, there is no easy fix to this conundrum and little can be done until more details become available.”
There are several explanations for this phenomenon that don’t involve a mass-hack of Houseparty users.
For a start, it could be plain old coincidence: cyber-crime is on the rise currently as hackers prey on confusion and interest in the coronavirus crisis.
It’s possible that many of these Houseparty users may have simply been caught out by another scam.
There may be an element of social media hysteria at play here too.
Many of the users are reporting anecdotal issues – and citing “friends of friends” – which are telltale signs of a hoax.
Simply put, you might not need to rush out and delete House Party right now.
“There is a rising wave of cybercrime activity directly linked to the global uptake of group social media platforms now that everyone is in isolation,” said Brian Higgins, a cyber-security specialist from Comparitech, speaking to The Sun.
“I’d definitely recommend deleting any apps you think may be causing you and your contacts harm.
“However, in this case I’d give Houseparty a chance to investigate and explain what’s happening.
“They’re clearly providing a vital service to people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“By all means do whatever you think is necessary to stay safe online while the COVID – pandemic plays, out but it’s always best to make informed decisions.
“There are any number of reasons why the online activity highlighted on Twitter could be happening.
“I’d follow Epic Games on Twitter for a while and wait until it’s safe to use their app again.”
Houseparty is available on multiple devices
Houseparty – what is it?
Here’s what you need to know …
Houseparty
is a popular social networking app
It offers group video-calling through mobile and desktop apps Users receive notifications when friends are online and available to talk
The app was launched by Life On Air in , after $ million in venture capital was raised
The company partnered with Ellen DeGeneres’s app Heads Up! in early
And in June 11240804, Houseparty was acquired by Epic Games for an undisclosed sum
Epic Games is a major US company that owns popular games Fortnite and Gears of War
Houseparty has seen a surgeon in popularity during the coronavirus lockdown
But not everyone is convinced that this is a coincidence.
“I am afraid I don’t believe in coincidences,” said cyber-expert Peter Draper, of Gurucul, speaking to The Sun.
“Especially at the moment with bad actors trying every single angle to exploit the current situation and people need to communicate with friends and family during lockdown.
“It is highly likely that Houseparty has been compromised in some way, whether that is the core infrastructure, the software download or just a hook into the data.”
There is currently no evidence that Houseparty has been hacked.
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