2 Million Stolen Facebook, Google, Twitter and Yahoo Passwords Found on Server in Netherlands

2 Million Stolen Facebook, Google, Twitter and Yahoo Passwords Found on Server in Netherlands

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Dec 04, 2013

Hey “Facebookers,” “Google-ites,” “Tweeters” and “Yahoo-ers”! Does your account(s) represent one or some of the nearly two million social media accounts that were hacked over the past month?

2 Million Stolen Facebook, Google, Twitter and Yahoo Passwords Found on Server in NetherlandsAccording to a report that was released this week, this massive data breach was the result of keylogging software that was maliciously installed on an untold number of computers around the world. This virus has been capturing login credentials from more than 93,000 websites since October 21, 2013 and sending usernames and passwords to a Pony Bot server that was controlled by the hackers.

Researchers did track the hackers’ server, which took them to the Netherlands, but not before 318,000 Facebook accounts, 70,000 Google accounts, 22,000 Twitter accounts and 60,000 Yahoo accounts, among others, were breached.

And, to make matters worse, these weren’t amateur hackers! They knew enough to route the hacked data through a proxy server, making it impossible to track down infected computers. In fact, the hackers made it look as if there were 1,049,879 victims only in the Netherlands, even though the victimization is global.

Facebook allegedly told CNN Money that they have reset the passwords for all their compromised users; however, Google declined to comment while Yahoo did not provide a response.

Worried that your computer might be infected? One of the best things you can do is update your antivirus software and download the latest patches for all Internet browsers, Adobe and Java.

And, perhaps most importantly, change all your social media accounts’ passwords to a strong password that incorporates numbers, letters and special symbols in unlikely combinations, resisting the urge to use the same password for multiple accounts.

Photo courtesy of: Annette Shaff / Shutterstock.com

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.