Meta’s AI support chatbot has been exploited by hackers, allowing them to hijack Instagram accounts. By simply asking the AI to change an email address linked with a profile, hackers could then reset passwords and lock out original owners.
The issue, which Meta patched, coincided with hacks on key public accounts like Barack Obama’s White House page. Other targets included the US Space Force Chief Master Sergeant and beauty retailer Sephora.
Security researcher Jane Manchun Wong had her account compromised, highlighting a concerning vulnerability in Meta's support systems. The hack raises questions about whether tech firms are adequately prioritizing security despite their heavy investment in AI tools.
Oversights like these could be indicative of engineers focusing too narrowly on AI features at the expense of robust cybersecurity measures. With layoffs and reassignments affecting trust and safety teams, it’s clear that vigilance is needed to ensure such loopholes don’t become a recurring issue.
