Despite the stringent measures being put in place by software makers far and wide, large-scale security breaches remain a black cloud over modern technology, and today, a Russian Bitcoin site has leaked a total of 5 million Gmail addresses and passwords. Initially, it was suspected that the leaks were of passwords specific to the Gmail account in question, although now, it seems that the credentials have been snatched from external websites of users who signed up using a Google email.
Precisely how this sizeable inventory of emails and passwords has been captured is, at this point in time, anybody’s guess, although according to information that has come to light via Reddit, it’s unlikely that Google is at fault here. It is being claimed that up to 60 percent of the leaked emails and passwords are still valid, and may have been collected over a number of years, but if you’re a Gmail user – particularly one who uses the same password when signing up to certain sites and services – then you should immediately go ahead and check if you’ve been caught up in this latest shitstorm.
If you’re worried that your details may currently be out in the open, point your browser over to isleaked.com and enter your email. From there, you’ll quickly be able to discover if your account is in immediate danger. The site is a little hit-and-miss at present due to high traffic, but if you persevere with it and try reloading every couple of minutes, you’ll get lucky eventually.
If you do find that your details are out in the open, then your next port of call will be to change your password immediately. Given that your password is out in the public domain, you’ll certainly want to opt for something completely different to what you had before, and also, ensure that it is as strong as it can be. Oh, and be sure to use two-factor authentication wherever possible.
With so many security scandals and breaches of late, one has to wonder whether anywhere is safe from the clutches of unsuspected individuals. As demonstrated a couple of weeks back with the leaks of ill-obtained celebrity photos, nobody can afford to be complacent and not treat online security with the respect and concern it so desperately warrants.
We’ll keep you updated on any further developments relating to this Gmail leak en masse, so stay tuned!
(Source: Reddit) (via: TheDailyDot)
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