Passwords Revealed in Dropbox Hack

Passwords Revealed in Dropbox Hack

  • Aug 31, 2016

In 2012, Dropbox suffered a security breach resulting in over 68 million users’ email addresses dumped onto the internet. Or so they thought that was the extent of the damage. Now it has surfaced that passwords linked to those accounts have been affected as well.

Recently, a security notification service, Leakbase, came across a database which they passed onto Motherboard. From there, the independent security researcher, Troy Hunt, verified the data by discovering his account details and those of his wife’s.

“There is no doubt whatsoever that the data breach contains legitimate Dropbox passwords,” Hunt said. “You simply can’t fabricate this sort of thing.”

The company had around 100 million customers at the time of the attack, meaning the data dump represents around two-third of their user base. In 2012, Dropbox practiced good user data security, encrypting the passwords. It appears the company was in the middle of upgrading the encryption from the SHA1 standard to a more security standard called, “bycrypt” when the theft took place. Half of the stolen passwords in the database are still encrypted with SHA1.

“The bcrypt hashing algorithm protecting [the passwords] is very resilient to cracking and frankly, all but the worst possible password choices are going to remain secure even with the breach now out in the public,” said Hunt. “Definitely still change your password if you’re in any doubt whatsoever and make sure you enable Dropbox’s two-step verification while you’re there if it’s not on already.”

The hack highlights the need for tight security at both ends of the user experience .The company needs to have a secure place to store the passwords, but the user also needs to know the importance of using unique, strong passwords.

If you’d like to know if your Dropbox account is vulnerable, you can go to haveibeenpwned.com and enter your email address.

If you haven’t already, maybe you should change your Dropbox password, just for good measure.

Featured

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • 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

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.