Hotmail accounts Hacked

[ropeslave]

I have read that hotmail accounts have been hacked and some passwords have been released briefly on the internet

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolog...ed-online.html

Hotmail passwords leaked online
The email accounts of thousands of users of Microsoft's Hotmail email service have been compromised after passwords and account addresses were posted on the internet.

The full story can be found at

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolog...ed-online.html

The login details of more than 10,000 accounts briefly appeared on a web-site used by computer programers.

The list included only addresses starting with A and B, raising fears that more could appear online in the coming days, potentially exposing tens of thousands more Hotmail users.

Microsft are advising

Users of Hotmail, Windows Live and MSN email accounts are advised to change their passwords and security questions immediately, in order to block unauthorised access to accounts. There are fears that hackers or cybercriminals could use these email accounts to gain access to sensitive or personal information, or to log on to online bank accounts and shopping websites to make fraudulent transactions. Many internet users use the same password details for multiple accounts.

Ropeslave

[ropeslave]

Seems that the alleged breach in email security went further than first published. According to the BBC

Google's web-based e-mail system, Gmail, has been targeted as part of an "industry-wide phishing scheme".

The firm said that it had immediately safeguarded the affected accounts.

BBC News has seen two lists that detail more than 30,000 names and passwords from e-mail providers, including Yahoo and AOL, that were posted online.

The lists also include details of thousands of Microsoft Hotmail users. Google said fewer than 500 of its accounts had been affected by the scam.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8292928.stm

It's time to change your passwords folks

Ropeslave