Call-Recording App Neon Goes Offline After Security Flaw Uncovered
The call-recording app Neon, which gained popularity last week for paying users to access audio recordings, was taken offline Thursday after a security flaw was discovered. TechCrunch reported that the vulnerability allowed any logged-in user to access other accounts' phone numbers, called numbers, call recordings, and transcripts.
According to TechCrunch, the publication contacted Neon founder Alex Kiam about the issue. "Kiam told TechCrunch later Thursday that he took down the app's servers and began notifying users about pausing the app," the report stated. However, Kiam fell short of informing his users about the security lapse.
Neon, which allows users to earn money by sharing their call recordings with AI companies for training purposes, quickly rose in popularity since its launch last week. The app's sudden shutdown has left many users concerned about the potential consequences of the security flaw.
The security vulnerability was discovered by TechCrunch, which reported that it contacted Kiam about the issue. "We reached out to Neon's founder Alex Kiam on Thursday and informed him about the security lapse," said a spokesperson for TechCrunch. "Kiam took immediate action to take down the app's servers and notify users."
The implications of this security flaw are significant, as it could have allowed malicious actors to access sensitive user information. The fact that Neon did not inform its users about the issue raises questions about the company's commitment to transparency.
In a statement, Kiam acknowledged the security lapse but provided no timeline for when the service would resume or what additional security protections would be added. "We take the security of our users' data seriously and are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," said Kiam in an email to TechCrunch.
The shutdown of Neon highlights the importance of robust security measures in protecting user data, particularly in the era of AI-powered services that rely on sensitive information. As the use of call-recording apps continues to grow, companies must prioritize transparency and security to maintain trust with their users.
Neon's current status is unclear, but it appears that the service will remain offline until further notice. Users are advised to monitor the company's website and social media channels for updates on when the app will resume operations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures in protecting user data, particularly in the era of AI-powered services. As companies continue to develop innovative solutions that rely on sensitive information, they must prioritize transparency and security to maintain trust with their users.
*Reporting by Engadget.*