*273 million passwords stolen from Google, Yahoo, Microsoft in major security breach

Email, Security Threats, Software Vulnerabilities Comments Off on *273 million passwords stolen from Google, Yahoo, Microsoft in major security breach

by Kim Kommando

A hacker who calls himself “The Collector” is now allegedly behind one of the largest security and email breaches in recent history. According to The Daily Mail, this breach is happening right now and affects almost every single person with an email account, whether you have Gmail, Microsoft Outlook (or Hotmail), Yahoo Mail or many others. You see, there is no way to know if your details on the list of stolen accounts.

Cybersecurity experts estimate that The Collector has up to 1.7 billion email account passwords in his or her possession. As it turns out, the Collector is trying to sell the personal details relating to an estimated 273 million email accounts. These include the email address and password for some 40 million Yahoo Mail, 33 million Hotmail/Outlook accounts, 24 million Gmail accounts, and tens of millions more.

Strangely, The Collector is asking for only $1 for the whole stash, but he or she is also asking for positive reviews to be posted on hacker forums. The low dollar amount may seem odd, but there’s potentially bigger money in related attacks like phishing scams. Sometimes, these type of breaches are done for the notoriety, too.

You really have to be on the lookout.

Typically, hackers will use your email address to start a phishing email scam. In other words, your family and friends may soon be receiving emails that look like they’re from you, but they’re really hiding malware to steal sensitive information, like Social Security numbers, banking details or credit card numbers.

The hackers can also use your email password to log into your other accounts. The problem hackers are exploiting is that they know a lot of people use the same passwords over and over. If you’re using one particular password for your email, they’re hoping that you’re also using it for your bank account and credit cards.

What can you do to protect yourself? There’s a few simple things you must do right now.

  1. Sign in and change your email account’s password immediately. Do it while you’re thinking of it. Here’s how:
  • If you have Gmail. Sign into your Account >> Sign-in & Security >> Signing Into Google – Password >> type in current password >> type in new password >> Change Password.
  • If you are have Hotmail (now Outlook). Sign in to your account >> click on your profile image >> Account Settings >> Security and Privacy >> (you may be asked to verify your account) >> Change Password >> type in current password and new password.
  • If you have Yahoo Mail. Go to your Yahoo account >> Account Security >> Change Password >> type in and confirm new password >> Confirm >> Continue.

Now, if you are not sure what makes a great password, you do not want to miss my advice in one of my recent USA Today Columns, click here to learn 5 password mistakes far too many people make.

Then, take one more very important security precaution.

  1. Set up two-factor authentication. It’s simple to do for your Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Google and Apple accounts. Basically, before someone can change your password or log into your account from a new phone, tablet or computer, they need a special code. But only you know the code, as it is delivered to your phone via text message.

While not totally necessary, it helps close the open door to hackers. It truly is a simple way to protect your accounts from access.

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