Yesterday we heard that around 32 million Twitter passwords had been leaked, the news was revealed after they went up for sale on the dark web.
Twitter has now confirmed that the passwords did not come from them and they are asking people to change their passwords.
We’ve investigated claims of Twitter @names and passwords available on the “dark web,” and we’re confident the information was not obtained from a hack of Twitter’s servers.
The purported Twitter @names and passwords may have been amassed from combining information from other recent breaches, malware on victim machines that are stealing passwords for all sites, or a combination of both. Regardless of origin, we’re acting swiftly to protect your Twitter account.
In each of the recent password disclosures, we cross-checked the data with our records. As a result, a number of Twitter accounts were identified for extra protection. Accounts with direct password exposure were locked and require a password reset by the account owner.
Understanding the Source of the Leak
The revelation that 32 million Twitter passwords were leaked and put up for sale on the dark web has raised significant concerns among users. However, Twitter’s investigation suggests that the breach did not originate from their servers. Instead, the leaked information is believed to have been collected through other means. One possibility is that the data was gathered from other recent breaches. For instance, large-scale data breaches at other companies could have resulted in the exposure of email addresses and passwords, which were then used to attempt to access Twitter accounts.
Another potential source of the leak is malware. Malicious software installed on users’ devices can capture keystrokes, including passwords, and send this information back to cybercriminals. This type of malware can be particularly insidious because it often operates without the user’s knowledge, silently collecting sensitive information over time.
Steps to Protect Your Account
In response to the leak, Twitter has taken several steps to protect its users. They have cross-checked the leaked data with their own records to identify accounts that may be at risk. Accounts that were found to have direct password exposure have been locked, and users are required to reset their passwords to regain access. This proactive approach helps to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to affected accounts.
Twitter is also encouraging all users to change their passwords as a precautionary measure. When creating a new password, it’s important to choose one that is strong and unique. A strong password typically includes a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as common words, names, or birthdates.
Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) can provide an extra layer of security. With 2FA, users are required to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their password. This makes it much more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to an account, even if they have the password.
You can find out more details about changing your password and also about where these leaked passwords have come from at the link below.
Source Twitter
In conclusion, while the leak of 32 million Twitter passwords is alarming, it is reassuring to know that Twitter’s servers were not compromised. The company has taken swift action to protect its users and is providing guidance on how to enhance account security. By understanding the potential sources of the leak and taking proactive steps to secure their accounts, users can help protect themselves from future breaches.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
