According to a recent report, more than 32 million Twitter passwords have been hacked and put up for sale on the dark web.
The news comes in a report from ZDNet, which states that over 32 million Twitter accounts are being sold for about 10 bitcoins, which is around $5,820.
Twitter has released an official statement asserting that the data has not come from them. You can see their statement below.
We are confident that these usernames and credentials were not obtained by a Twitter data breach – our systems have not been breached. In fact, we’ve been working to help keep accounts protected by checking our data against what’s been shared from recent other password leaks.”
Possible Sources of the Breach
According to experts, it is unlikely that Twitter itself was breached. Instead, the logins may have come from malware. Malware can infect a user’s computer or mobile device, capturing login credentials as they are entered. This type of malware can be distributed through phishing emails, malicious websites, or even through seemingly legitimate software downloads.
Another potential source of the breach could be through third-party applications. Many users link their Twitter accounts to various apps and services, which may not have the same level of security as Twitter. If one of these third-party services is compromised, it could potentially expose the linked Twitter credentials.
Protecting Your Twitter Account
Given the scale of this breach, it is crucial for Twitter users to take steps to protect their accounts. Here are some recommendations:
1. Change Your Password: If you suspect your account may be compromised, change your password immediately. Choose a strong, unique password that you do not use for any other accounts.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This could be a code sent to your mobile device or an authentication app.
3. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Always be cautious of emails or messages asking for your login information. Twitter will never ask for your password via email.
4. Review Connected Apps: Regularly review the apps and services connected to your Twitter account. Revoke access to any that you do not recognize or no longer use.
5. Monitor Account Activity: Keep an eye on your account for any suspicious activity. Twitter provides tools to review recent login activity and connected devices.
6. Use a Password Manager: A password manager can help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, reducing the risk of using the same password across multiple sites.
The breach highlights the importance of cybersecurity and the need for individuals to be vigilant about their online security practices. While Twitter has stated that their systems were not breached, the incident serves as a reminder that user credentials can be compromised through various other means.
In conclusion, while the source of the breach may not be Twitter itself, the impact on users is significant. By taking proactive steps to secure their accounts, users can help protect themselves from potential misuse of their credentials. As always, staying informed and cautious is key to maintaining online security.
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