The use of Grammarly, a popular online writing tool, carries certain risks that users should be aware of. One of the main risks is related to the security of user accounts. In January 2018, a vulnerability was discovered in the Grammarly browser extension that left approximately 22 million user accounts exposed to potential remote hackers.
The vulnerability allowed any website that a Grammarly user visited to access their authentication tokens. These tokens are used to verify a user’s identity and grant them access to their Grammarly account. With access to these tokens, hackers could potentially log into a user’s account without their knowledge or consent.
This type of unauthorized access poses significant risks to users. Hackers could potentially view, modify, or delete a user’s writing documents, personal information, and any other data stored in their Grammarly account. This includes sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or any other personal data that users may have shared with the platform.
Furthermore, the compromised account could be used to send phishing emails or spam messages to the user’s contacts, spreading malware or attempting to extract sensitive information from others. This not only puts the user at risk but also potentially jeopardizes the security and privacy of their friends, colleagues, or clients.
It is important to note that Grammarly took immediate action to address the vulnerability and released a fix within a few hours of its discovery. They also conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of any unauthorized access or misuse of user data. However, the fact that such a vulnerability existed raises concerns about the overall security measures in place.
While incidents like this can happen to any online service, it is crucial for users to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions. This includes regularly updating the Grammarly browser extension to ensure you have the latest security patches, using strong and unique passwords for your Grammarly account, and being cautious while accessing your account from public or unsecured networks.
It is also advisable to monitor your Grammarly account for any suspicious activity, such as unexpected logins or changes to your account settings. If you notice anything unusual, it is recommended to report it to Grammarly support immediately.
The main risk of using Grammarly is the potential vulnerability to remote hackers, which could result in unauthorized access to user accounts and the compromise of personal information. While Grammarly has taken steps to address this vulnerability, it is essential for users to remain vigilant and follow security best practices to minimize the risks associated with using the platform.