You don’t seem to have to wait too long before hearing about the latest hack, malware or other threat that has come through. While most of the time the reports act as a precautionary measure to make the public aware of a possible issue and/or threat, occasionally the reports come after the incident, much is the case today. A new report out of Reuters is highlighting that a number of email accounts have been hacked and details (mostly username and password combinations) have been stolen.
The report details that this latest hack was identified by Hold Security, following a hacker who declared responsibility for the attack while trying to sell on the data set for apparently less than $1. In total, it had been believed that more than one billion records had been compromised, however it is now seems as though the total number is far less and much closer to the 272 million marker. Which by any standards, is still a significant number.
In terms of email provider specifics, the clear majority of email accounts come from the Russian email company, Mail.ru. However, the report also notes that Gmail, Microsoft and Yahoo accounts were also compromised in the attack. According to the details, 24 million Gmail accounts are thought to be at risk, as well as 33 million Microsoft accounts and 40 million Yahoo Mail accounts. It is also worth pointing out that a number of other email companies were also mentioned, although not specifically named as of yet. With Holden stating a number of the accounts belong to large U.S. banking, manufacturing and retail companies. At present, most of the email companies including Google and Yahoo has yet to publicly confirm or respond to the report, with the exception of Mail.ru and Microsoft. In terms of Microsoft, the spokesperson was noted saying that they have measures in place to require users to provide additional security checks when an account has been thought to be compromised. While Mail.ru has said they are investigating the matter and whether the credential combinations are still live and will inform those affected when the time comes. Those interested can read the report in full by heading through the source link below.