LinkedIn Security Breach Under Investigation

LinkedIn Security Breach

Over 6 million LinkedIn users have been affected by a massive security breach at the behemoth professional networking site. Reportedly, a file containing 6.5 million encrypted LinkedIn passwords was posted on a Russian hacking forum website, possibly looking to crowd source the hacking of difficult passwords. It is estimated that more than 200,000 of the passwords have already been cracked. Security experts have highly recommended that all users change their passwords immediately.

Experts say the file posted on the Russian hacking site only contains passwords hashed using the SHA-1 algorithm and does not include user names or any other data. It is unknown, however, whether the original hackers are in possession of more passwords, corresponding e-mails, and the names of user accounts. If this is the case, the breach could have widespread ramifications as many users utilize the same e-mail address and password to enter various sites. In addition, it is believed that if profile information is taken from LinkedIn, hackers may be able to use this detailed professional information in fake e-mail phishing scams.

What users are affected by this breach?

LinkedIn has said that owners of compromised accounts will receive an e-mail from LinkedIn with instructions on how to reset their passwords, as well as a follow-up e-mail from customer support explaining the situation in greater length. It is currently unknown whether those that leaked the passwords have additional passwords, user e-mails, and account names.

LinkedIn Security Breach: What are your rights?

Customers who believe they may have had their information stolen in this massive LinkedIn security breach may have valuable legal rights. To learn more from a LinkedIn security breach lawyer, do not hesitate to fill out our free, no-obligation case review form on the right for a free consultation.