Some time ago I talked about curious data about Tinder that I had access to during my postgraduate studies in Data Science.
Now I'll talk about another dating app that also presents curious data, but negatively:ashleymadison Or, Ashley Madson.
After I watched the Netflix documentary, I thought it would be interesting to share.
In 2015, the digital world was shaken by one of the biggest data leaks in history: the Ashley Madison case. This Canadian extramarital dating site had the sensitive information of 37 million users exposed, resulting in devastating consequences such as divorces, blackmail and even suicides. The Netflix documentary "Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies and Scandal" revives this episode, revisiting crucial reflections on internet safety. Look at the news from the time.
The Illusion of Security
Fake Security Seals - Ashley MadisonAshley Madison promoted the idea of being 100% secure and discreet. However, it used fake security seals and fictitious profiles to attract customers. Users' trust was betrayed when they discovered that the $19 fee they paid to permanently delete their profiles was a scam.
Reliability of Websites
Wanderson Castilho, digital expert and CEO ofeNetSecure, Inc. , warns about the importance of verifying the authenticity of security seals on any website. "Always be wary of promises that seem too good to be true," he emphasizes.
Consequences of Data Leakage
Personal and Social Impact
The leak not only exposed Internet users' deep secrets, but also demonstrated the vulnerability of personal data in the digital age. Divorces, blackmail and suicides were some of the direct consequences. The public exposure of private information created a scenario of chaos and despair for many families.
Increase in User Base
Interestingly, despite the huge negative impact, Ashley Madison not only remained active but also grew its user base to over 65 million. This phenomenon reveals that many people have not yet learned from past mistakes and continue to expose themselves to similar risks.
Precautionary Measures
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Data
One of the main lessons from the Ashley Madison case is the importance of avoiding sharing sensitive data on untrustworthy websites. Wanderson Castilho recommends using secure payment methods and verifying the details of who will receive the payment.
Surveillance and Constant Update
It is essential to remain vigilant and up to date on digital security practices. "Data leaks always give rise to other scams", warns Castilho. "If your ID or CPF is leaked, it is easy for another scammer to use this data to carry out new scams."
The Importance of Digital Security
Documentary Reflections
The Netflix documentary not only revives the scandal, but also highlights the continued need for caution and discernment in the digital world. “It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of internet security,” concludes Castilho.
Need for Digital Education
Educating yourself about digital security and implementing preventative measures are crucial steps to protecting yourself against future breaches. Constantly updating security practices and being wary of misleading promises are key to safely navigating the digital age.
But, after 20 years working in a bank and seeing situations in which customers fall for scams, I can only say one thing: the majority who fall for scams due to clicking on inappropriate links, don't learn.
And I'm going to give you a spoiler: conversations on the site are nothing more than chatbots. Most of the profiles on the app don't even exist.
**Chatbot is software that tries to simulate a human being when talking to people. The objective is to answer questions in such a way that people have the impression that they are talking to another person and not a computer program. (Wikipedia)
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