O2 fix number leak problem, aplogise for "concern we have caused"

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o2-network-fixed.egg_ab52e.jpgO2 have apologised for and fixed a problem with their network that was giving away their users’ mobile phone numbers every time they accessed a website from their handsets.

Spotted this morning, the security issue meant that any website owner could harvest an O2 user’s number, regardless of whether or not they were given permission.

Irate O2 customers attacked the firm on Twitter, leading to a swift fix from the network and the issuing of the following statement:

“We have seen the report published this morning suggesting the potential for disclosure of customers’ mobile phone numbers to website owners. We investigated, identified and fixed it this afternoon. We would like to apologise for the concern we have caused.

“In between the 10th of January and 1400 Wednesday 25th of January, in addition to the usual trusted partners, there has been the potential for disclosure of customers’ mobile phone numbers to further website owners.”

Though many users were fearful that other sensitive details may also have been leaked, O2 stressed that “the only information websites had access to is your mobile number, which could not have been linked to any other identifying information we have about customers.”

“Routine maintenance” was cited as the root cause of the problems.

Is O2’s response satisfying closure on the problem today? Or has it dented your trust in the brand? Let us know in the comments below.

Via: Tech Radar

Gerald Lynch
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