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[Update] Google Webmaster Tools Security Breach Confirmed

Panic gripped the SEO industry late last evening after word got out that Google Webmaster Tools has an extremely serious technical issue - old user accounts are automatically getting re-verified and given access to sites they shouldn't have access to anymore.

[Update] Google Webmaster Tools Security Breach Confirmed

A justified panic gripped the SEO industry after word got out that Google Webmaster Tools has an extremely serious technical issue – old user accounts are automatically getting re-verified and given access to sites they shouldn’t have access to anymore.

Google Webmaster Tools

The first post I read about the GWT stuff-up was on Dave Naylor’s blog. The very first thing I did was check my calendar to make sure it wasn’t April 1st already. Surely this was a hoax?! Several other trusted sources have unfortunately verified the problems with GWT and it seems to go even further than just GWT; Michaela Dennis mentioned on Twitter that all of her old deleted and blocked Gtalk contacts were active again.

I think this shows us how the integrated the whole Google eco-system really is and how one cockup can bring down the house. Here’s a short timeline from Twitter.

For those not aware of the seriousness of this apparent breach of security, ex-employees or even contractors, that at one time or another had access to a site, the reports, tools, and so on, possibly gain access again to not only Webmaster Tools, but possibly Google Analytics too. The rub is, there’s simply no guarantee those granted renewed access won’t do something malicious. Not only could past access holders change key elements, but spying on the competition for larger entities is definitely a possibility.

Imagine someone working for a major brand suddenly granted access again to a competitive brand!

As added background to the initial story break, Matthew Panzarino over at  The Next Web sourced David Naylor early on to show what those formerly with access might do with renewed access to a webmaster (maybe analytics) account. Naylor’s screen also clearly show a former SEO control entity, being reauthorized in what could surely be an unholy mess for a site owner. Naylor reported to TNW he had access to analytics too.

So far Google has been silent on the matter, possibly suggesting they are still trying to sort out exactly what happened. We will keep you updated.

The Editor of SEJ has contacted senior Google communicators and the Google Webmaster Engineering Manager. We are still waiting their response.

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Bob Jones

A digital consultant and serial entrepreneur with a passion for all things online marketing. I’ve sold my million dollar digital ...

[Update] Google Webmaster Tools Security Breach Confirmed

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