Computer security has become one of the most important issues for all users. Privacy data is important because a lot of this information may be floating around the internet, so some malicious people might know where you are at that moment or your tone of voice. It’s a very delicate thing.

All this data is known due to leak or hackjust like before. A major leak from Gravy Analytics exposed some data, such as the location of some users of apps like Tinder. What happened?

Big Data Leaks Reveal User Movements

Gravy Analytics, a data broker specializing in location tracking for millions of iPhone and Android users. fell victim to a serious security breach. The incident, first reported by 404Media, was confirmed by leaked data revealing the magnitude of the exposure.

Breach exposed precise location data of millions of usersIt reveals details such as places frequented, including homes and businesses. This sensitive information originates from a practice known as real-time auctioning, which is used to determine which ads to display to users.

During this almost instantaneous process, Advertisers gain access to information about devices such as manufacturer detailsIP addresses and, in some cases, precise location data if permitted.

TechCrunch’s Zach Whittaker explains:

“Advertisers and data brokers can combine these bid stream data points with other information to create detailed profiles that cover individuals’ routines and locations.”

Gravy Analytics, one of the intermediaries that processes this data. We are currently facing the consequences of this breach as stored information began to circulate publicly online.

The leak is due to some data, such as real-time location, that apps use to provide better services.

Which popular apps were affected?

Leak affects many users widely used applications in various categoriesAs WIRED’s Joseph Cox points out. The list includes:

• Dating platforms: Tinder, Grindr
• Mobile games: Candy Crush, Temple Run, Subway Surfers, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
• Health and Fitness: MyFitnessPal, My Period Calendar and Tracker
• Social networks and communication: Tumblr, Yahoo Mail
• Productivity: Microsoft Office 365
• Other tools: Moovit, Flightradar24
• Religious Apps: Muslim Prayer Apps, Bible Study Tools
• VPN Services: Various Privacy-Focused Applications

Is There Good News for iPhone Users?

Despite the alarming nature of the leak, there is a silver lining for iPhone users. According to Predicta Lab CEO Baptiste Robert, Apple’s “Ask app not to track” feature has likely protected those who choose not to be tracked. Apple did not make an official statement about the breach. However, if Robert’s assessment is correct, iPhone users who deny tracking permissions may be much less affected by the incident.

• You might also be interested in: Apple denies apps use location without permission

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