Tea Dating App Reveals Larger Data Breach Affecting User Messages and Photos

Tea, a women-only dating advice app, announced that a recent cyberattack compromised more user data than previously disclosed, including direct messages and photos. The company reported that hackers accessed a data storage system containing information uploaded by members prior to February 2024.

In a statement, Tea said it has taken the affected system offline as a precaution. The breach involved an additional 59,000 images and direct messages that were accessed without authorization, according to the company.

Tea, which allows women to share information about dates and conduct background checks on potential matches, has become one of the most downloaded free apps on Apple's platform.

Ted Miracco, CEO of mobile security firm Approov, advised users to be cautious when sharing personal information on popular apps. > "A lot of people presume that if an app is available through Apple or Google, that it's safe. That's the first mistake consumers make," he said. Miracco also criticized Tea's security measures, stating, "This is basic cybersecurity and something the company should be held accountable for. They rushed to market and promised consumers to create a safe site, and instead they exposed them."