Gmail Hacked

Time to change your password again. A database containing nearly 5 million Gmail user accounts and passwords was leaked on Bitcoin Security, a popular Russian website devoted to the cryptocurrency.

The text file was published on Tuesday night by user tvskit, according to CNews, the Russian news outlet that first broke the story. The leaker claimed that the majority of the accounts belong to users who speak English, Russian, or Spanish, and that approximately 60 percent are active. The passwords not only give access to Gmail, but a slew of other Google services such as Drive and the mobile payment system Google Wallet.

One of the major reasons I haven’t gone to digital wallets; all too often the service itself is hacked.

You can verify whether your account was affected by clicking here and entering your gmail address. It’s that simple. You can also enable Google’s 2-step verification by following the company’s easy steps.

International Business Times is cautioning against ‘verifying your account’ though

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) users concerned that their own identity might be listed among the stolen usernames are advised to avoid typing their username and password into any website that claims to check if that name has been compromised. Cybercriminals frequently use this kind of method, known as a “honeypot,” to steal even more identities. A number of sites have already appeared to distribute phishing messages under the guise of offering help.

It’s best to  simply change passwords again. Sigh……now to come up with something I can use but still remember.