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New ‘Meow’ attack has deleted almost 4k unsecured databases (bleepingcomputer.com)

841 points by based2 · 2260 days ago · 519 comments on HN

Article summary

A new attack called 'Meow' has deleted almost 4,000 unsecured databases. The attack highlights the issue of exposed databases and the importance of proper security measures. The discussion around the attack raises questions about the responsibility of database owners to secure their data and the potential consequences of not doing so. The attack has sparked debate about the ethics of deleting exposed data versus stealing and selling it.

Main themes

  • data security
  • database ownership
  • exposed data
  • cyber attacks
  • responsibility
  • ethics of hacking

What commenters say

  • Deleting exposed data is preferable to stealing and selling it, as it prevents further exploitation.
  • Database owners who fail to secure their data have no business hosting it and should be held accountable.
  • The 'Meow' attack is a wake-up call for companies to take data security seriously and invest in proper measures.
  • Small businesses and individuals who are not tech-savvy may be unfairly affected by the attack and deserve sympathy.
  • The attack highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to data security, taking into account the varying levels of expertise and resources among database owners.
  • The person who deletes the data has more culpability than the storage service in the destruction of the data.
  • The responsibility to secure data lies with the database owners, and they should be prepared to face the consequences of not doing so.