Twitter Asks All Users to Change Their Password

Twitter Asks All Users to Change Their Password

A bug in the Twitter system caused people's passwords to be kept unmasked in an internal log.

If you haven't already changed your Twitter password, what are you waiting for?

Last week, Twitter's chief technology officers, Parag Agrawal, revealed that a bug in the Twitter system caused the passwords of users to be stored unmasked in an internal log. The social media company swears that there is "no reason to believe password information ever left Twitter's systems or was misused by anyone," it is recommending that all 336 million users change their passwords immediately.

Generally speaking, this very public notice from Twitter should be lauded for its transparency," VP, product management and strategy at Tripwire, Tim Erlin said. "Finding unmasked passwords in logs is obviously a problem, but it's hardly unique to Twitter. As an industry, we should make sure we're praising positive moves as well as criticizing the problems we all see."

Perhaps the more important piece of news here is not that Twitter is recommending its user's change passwords to their Twitter accounts, but they are recommending that users change their passwords on all other websites where the password might have been used.

"Twitter passwords being stored in plain text does not sound great but, according to the social media giant itself, there appears to be little to no risk that user credentials have made it out into the wild," security researcher at Comparitech.com, Lee Munson said. "That said, it is curious as to why Twitter would have any passwords stored in plaintext at any given moment in time when it otherwise claims all login credentials are encrypted. For that reason alone, all users of the social network should follow the company’s advice and change their passwords immediately, paying careful attention to ensure the replacement is long, complex and not used anywhere else online – a password manager would certainly be a useful tool for achieving this."

In order to change your password, go to Twitter.com and scroll over to your avatar in the upper right hand corner. Click it and navigate to "settings and privacy" on the drop-down menu. From there click, "Password" on the left. Change your information, keeping in mind password rules to protect you in the future, like creating a unique password for different accounts and implementing capitals, numbers and symbols into your password.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Allied Universal Report Highlights Expected Security Hazards

    All is not well with the world. I know that is not breaking news. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.