Yahoo has confirmed that it has been the target of another massive data breach, this one stemming back to August, 2013. The newly discovered breach is in addition to the huge 2014 breach and impacts more than one billion Yahoo users.
The breach includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, MD5-hashed passwords, and security question answers. This latest hack makes Yahoo the victim of two of the largest data breaches in history.
If you have a Yahoo account, here are some important steps you should take to secure your account and personal data right away:
Update your passwords AND security questions/answers if you haven't done so since August 2013.
Check if you have used your Yahoo password in other sites, and change the password and security questions for those accounts. (In the future, it is important to use different passwords for different services as an additional layer of protection.)
Be wary of unsolicited email asking for personal information.
Do not open email attachments from any unsolicited messages.
Check your bank accounts for suspicious activity, particularly if you have used your Yahoo password on your financial accounts.
Please share this information with your colleagues. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Daystar at 603.766.5924 x3.
Stay safe!
Daystar is a managed IT services provider and business technology integrator serving businesses and organizations in the tri-state area throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.