SkimIt
Earlier today, Norwegian computer site, DagensIT.no, reported that 6.5 million LinkedIn passwords were recently posted to a Russian hacker site. LinkedIn is still investigating and haven’t confirmed whether any personal information, such as email addresses and passwords have been compromised.
According to DagensIT.no, only the hashed passwords were posted. Email addresses (LinkedIn uses email addresses as log-on IDs) and other information were not posted.
Websites, such as LinkedIn, do have encryption measures in place to protect user’s passwords and sensitive records. However, this is a good time to change your password as a precaution. You should also update and monitor other password-protected accounts.
Tips for LinkedIn Users:
- Log into the LinkedIn website via a new browser window (do not access it through an email) and change the password. Make it a monthly routine to update your password.
- Change the password of other accounts, such as email and financial accounts, if you use the same password.
- Review your list of LinkedIn connections in your network to ensure there are none that do not look familiar.
- Beware of any phishing emails that claim to be from LinkedIn.
- This is a good time to check privacy settings are set appropriately.
- Make sure your computer us up-to-date with all its critical security patches and your browser is secured.
