Logging in with Google or Facebook accounts carries several security risks

Today, with the rapid development of digital technology, speed and convenience are always top priorities, especially in online services. Therefore, linking login via Google or Facebook accounts provides users with a quick, convenient, and easy experience, eliminating the need for multiple steps to create accounts for different applications and browsers. However, using a single account to log in to various online services can create security vulnerabilities and pose several risks that you may not anticipate. This article will highlight some of the most common security risks that users may encounter when logging in with Google or Facebook accounts.

1. Personal information leakage

When logging in with a Google or Facebook account, you are sharing a significant amount of personal information such as your name, email, phone number, contacts, search history, interests, and more with third-party applications or services. Malicious actors could collect and use your personal information to carry out fraudulent activities like scams, identity theft, or sending spam.

2. Loss of account control

If your Google or Facebook account is hacked, the attacker could easily gain access to all the other services you have linked to it. You might be locked out of your account or unable to access the linked services if your primary account encounters any issues.

3. Risk of attacks

Cyberattacks can originate from logging in with your Google or Facebook account. Phishing attackers may create fake websites that look identical to the Google or Facebook login pages to trick you into entering your login credentials, which they can then use to steal your account.

4. Privacy breach

When you allow apps and services to access your Google or Facebook account, you're providing them with a large amount of personal data. This data is used by tech companies to create a profile of you and display targeted ads. Additionally, your personal information could be sold to third parties for commercial purposes.

Using a Google or Facebook account to log in to online services offers many conveniences but also presents several security risks. To protect personal data and minimize the risk of losing control over accounts, users should carefully consider linking third-party services to their main accounts. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly check access permissions, use a password manager, and consider other security methods such as two-factor authentication (2FA) with a physical Yubikey security key. By implementing these security measures, you can enjoy the benefits of online services with greater peace of mind, without worrying about unwanted risks.