Bykea hacked!! Bykea, a popular ride-hailing app operating in Karachi, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, and Lahore, on June 13th. Via the official application, the hackers successfully sent inappropriate messages containing vulgar language and derogatory remarks about Pakistan to Bykea app users.
The screenshots of these messages quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage among users and the general public. Bykea faced severe criticism for its failure to safeguard its platform and user data from hackers. Consequently, some users chose to delete the app from their devices to avoid further harassment.
Bykea serves as a platform that connects motorbike owners with individuals and businesses requiring transportation services. It allows motorbike owners to earn extra income while providing affordable logistics solutions to customers. Additionally, Bykea hacked Bykea facilitates cash-on-delivery transactions for e-commerce orders in a developing payments market.
The compromised app contains the personal information of millions of Pakistanis, including their names, phone numbers, addresses, and payment details. The hackers who breached Bykea’s system could exploit or abuse this sensitive data. Unfortunately, Bykea has not released any official statements or apologies concerning the incident, leaving the extent and impact of the breach unclear.
The hacking of Bykea is not an isolated occurrence, as numerous other organizations in Pakistan have experienced similar cyberattacks in recent years. For instance, in January 2021, researchers discovered that Bykea had exposed 400 million records on an Elasticsearch server. Likewise, in December 2020, JazzCash, a mobile banking service provider, suffered a data breach affecting 20 million users. Additionally, hackers breached BankIslami, a prominent Islamic bank, in November 2020 and stole Rs 6 million from customers’ accounts.
These incidents underscore the growing importance of robust cybersecurity measures for both users and service providers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, companies must actively safeguard their platforms against potential threats. Simultaneously, users must remain informed and adhere to best practices to protect their personal data.
