The crime reporting app Hawk Eye, developed by Telangana State Police, experienced a data breach that resulted in the exposure of users’ personal information, such as names, addresses, and location coordinates.
The breach specifically leaked sensitive data of 1.3 lakh women who had filed SOS requests, as well as other individuals who had reported incidents, compromising their privacy and safety.
The security breach was a result of outdated app security measures and the presence of a hard-coded password, indicating a lack of cybersecurity measures by the Telangana Police.
This incident also raises concerns about government surveillance in Telangana, considering the extensive use of CCTV cameras and facial recognition technology in the state.
The breach serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices to safeguard citizens’ data.