Research from NordVPN: Microsoft Bing Server Exposed Users Search Queries, Leaving Millions Vulnerable
Summary
A massive data leak exposes millions of search queries for adult content on Bing and leaves users vulnerable to extortion threats. London, United Kingdom, October 29, 2020 --( NordVPN’s researchers analyzed the top 1,000 search terms from the US, Canada, and Hong Kong (the main Bing markets) to estimate the sensitivity of the queries. “While the top search queries are attributed to attempts to reach online services like Facebook, YouTube, or Google, a considerable number of people were interested in more delicate content, and this makes them more vulnerable,” says Daniel Markuson. “The smallest, seemingly benign actions are potentially tracked and analyzed every second, including basic movements like mouse clicks or touch screen taps. “Regardless, exposed GPS coordinates are equally concerning,” says Daniel Markusson, digital privacy expert at NordVPN.NordVPN’s researchers analyzed the top 1,000 search terms from the US, Canada, and Hong Kong (the main Bing markets) to estimate the sensitivity of the queries.What dominates the search queriesWithin 30 days, at least 1.6 million queries related to adult content were made in the US, while 1.4 million came from Canada, and 36,000 from Hong Kong.
