Security research firm CheckPoint Research released a report on Wednesday, July 29, showing a few security flaws in OKCupid's website and mobile apps could allow hackers to access users' full profile details, private messages, personal addresses, and even send messages using the victims' profiles.

Taking advantage of the security flaws CheckPoint Research discovered, a hacker could have posed as a user and sent a malicious link to victims or public forums. If users clicked on the link, the malicious code would give the hackers access to and control their victims' accounts. 

According to Engadget, OKCupid claims they have already fixed the flaws within 48 hours after being advised about the flaws. Like most apps, it contains personal and valuable information that hackers can use to launch cyber attacks. Thus, it is always alarming to have security flaws in dating apps. 

No users were impacted by the system flaws. However, CheckPoint noted that dating apps contain sensitive personal information, so they may not be as safe as they seem.

Launched in 2004, OKCupid is one of the oldest and most popular dating applications in the United States. In a statement, CheckPoint said it had raised some serious questions over the security of dating apps. CheckPoint raised some questions about the app's safety, whether users' intimate details on the application are safe or if others can access their most private photos, messages, and details.

OKCupid said in a statement that was shared by CheckPoint Research that the app has informed its developers about the flaws exposed in CheckPoint's study, which were immediately resolved to ensure users' safety.

"Not a single user was impacted by the potential vulnerability on OkCupid, and we were able to fix it within 48 hours," OKCupid wrote, adding that it is grateful to Check Point, who puts "the safety and privacy of our users first." 

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OKCupid is a game-changer after rebranding

OkCupid went through a major rebranding in 2018 with their new advertising, according to Mashable. Their slogan, "Dating deserves better," which they uphold throughout the entire campaign. It features a cheeky sense of humor, bright colors, same-sex couples, and even heterosexual couples while it is fresh and inviting.

OkCupid brings online dating to the next level as it pushes gender inclusivity. This is a huge game-changer as it caters to at least 13 gender identities and 22 sexual orientations. It also includes dedicated space for users' preferred pronouns, unlike in other sites.

Also, OkCupid is one of the places for self-proclaimed geeks and introverts to find a match. The use of questions related to social justice has also enticed open-minded people to create a safe space.

However, in January, a study by Norwegian Consumer Council accused OKCupid, along with Grindr and Tinder, of sharing sensitive data. Specifically, OkCupid was accused of sending data about drug use, political views, and ethnicity to Braze.  

Owner of OKCupid and Tinder, Match Group said that it honored privacy laws and would ensure the data security of its users. Similarly, Grindr said it valued privacy and outlined its practices to ensure its privacy policy to protect personal information.

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