Russian hackers leak 5 million Google usernames, passwords
• Google released a statement on its official blog stating that it was investigating the incident in order to secure users. • Spokeswoman Caroline Mathews told CNN that their systems had not been compromised. • The Internet service provider gave users tips on how to secure their accounts. • It said that less than 2 per cent of the username and password combinations might have worked.
Russian hackers Wednesday posted usernames and passwords of close to five million Google accounts online.
This raised concerns over the effectiveness of Google’s security systems.
The list was posted on bitcoin forum by a user called Tvski.
“We found that less than 2 per cent of the username and password combinations might have worked, and our automated anti-hijacking systems would have blocked many of those login attempts.
“We’ve protected the affected accounts and have required those users to reset their passwords,” read the statement.
Google spokeswoman Caroline Mathews told CNN that their systems had not been compromised.
“We have no evidence that our systems have been compromised,” she said.
The Internet service provider gave users tips on how to secure their accounts and urged them to use strong passwords unique to Google only.
“Update your recovery options so we can reach you by phone or email if you get locked out of your account.
“And consider the 2-step verification, which adds an extra layer of security to your account,” Google advised.