Important Security Alert: Massive Password Breach
Recently, a major security breach has been discovered, revealing millions of previously unseen passwords stolen and leaked to a crime forum. This breach affects 284 million unique email addresses and adds 244 million never-before seen passwords to Troy Hunt’s security research database.
What You Need to Know:
- Strong Passwords: Always use long, complex passwords to protect your accounts. Simple passwords are easier for hackers to crack.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable this feature to add an extra layer of security. It requires a second form of verification, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
- Check for Your Passwords: Use the free service, “Have I Been Pwned” (https://haveibeenpwned.com/), to see if your email or password has been compromised. This service helps you stay informed about potential security threats.
- PJ Networks Business Clients: We provide ongoing and automated alerts for all compromises of any employees working for one of our managed business clients! This means for them, we have already alerted those this pertains to. Aside from checking Have I Been Pwned for their personal accounts we do our part to ensure the security of all business resources.
Details of the Breach:
A crime forum known as ALIEN TXTBASE leaked a massive database containing 1.5TB of stolen data from several different sources. This data includes 23 billion rows with 493 million unique website and email address pairs. The breach was discovered by Troy Hunt, the owner of “Have I Been Pwned.” Hunt confirmed that the leaked data includes 244 million passwords that have never been seen before, as well as updated counts for another 199 million passwords already in the database.
Stay Safe:
- Be cautious of unusual activity on your accounts. If you notice anything suspicious, take immediate action to secure your accounts.
- Regularly update your passwords and use different ones for different accounts. This practice helps minimize the risk of multiple accounts being compromised if one password is stolen.
- Stay informed about security best practices. Follow trusted sources and keep up with the latest news on cybersecurity to protect yourself from potential threats.
