If you are looking for a quick and easy way to convert your files to PDF format, there are countless free sites on the internet. You know that you have no control over how the documents you upload to these sites are processed. According to the Cybernews research team, data from two online PDF converters has been leaked. So be careful.
A major security flaw has been discovered in online PDF converters
The Cybernews research team discovered that PDF Pro (pdf-pro.io) and Help PDF (help-pdf.com) left Amazon S3 cloud storage containers open, leaking user-uploaded passports, certificates, IDs, contracts and more. The two sites, which have the same design and are run by the same UK-based company, exposed a total of 89,062 files.
Cybernews researchers shared the following about this vulnerability: “With access to personal documents, criminals can engage in a variety of fraudulent activities, such as applying for loans, renting property or buying expensive items.”
According to Cybernews, the data is still accessible. Researchers have tried to contact the service providers, but have not yet received a response. Currently, any file you upload to these sites is accessible to anyone who searches for it.
Even if you have never used these PDF converters, this should be a warning to you. Before you upload a private document to a random website, remember that you don’t know how that site manages your data. Spending a few extra minutes to find a reliable service can prevent major problems in the future.
The convenience of PDF converters, coupled with vulnerability, can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, you should be careful about the security of the documents you upload to online platforms. By using reliable and secure services, you can prevent your personal information and documents from being leaked. Remember, it is always in your best interest to check the reliability of the site before uploading a file.
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