Uber Investigating Computer Network Breach

Image copyright: AP [via The New York Times]

The Facts

  • Uber is responding to security risks after a hacker — identified only by the Telegram handle Tea Pot — purportedly gained control of the company's computer network.

  • The hacker reportedly gained access to Uber's HackerOne account — a platform that helps companies connect with security researchers. However, on Friday, Uber said they found "no evidence" of the hacker having accessed any sensitive user data.


The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

The timing of this hack — which comes as Uber's former security chief is on trial for his disastrous response to the 2016 breach — is ironic. It also reveals that Uber, which has a responsibility to educate its employees on social engineering threats, continues to prove careless with the safety of its data.

Pro-establishment narrative

A social engineering hack relies on human error rather than vulnerabilities in systems, which is what makes it a particularly dangerous threat that no company is immune to. Rather than jumping to conclusions and playing the blame-game, this should serve as a warning to all of us.


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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