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

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.