Compromised email accounts yahoo

The Yahoo email account compromise!

In 2013, Yahoo announced that it had suffered a massive data breach, which compromised the security of approximately 3 billion user accounts. The breach was discovered in August 2013, but it's believed that the attackers had been accessing the accounts since 2012.

The compromised email accounts included:

  1. Usernames and passwords: The attackers gained access to usernames and passwords, which were stored in plaintext (unencrypted) on Yahoo's servers.
  2. Security questions and answers: The attackers also obtained security questions and answers, which were used to reset passwords.
  3. Email content: The attackers may have accessed the content of emails, including attachments and messages.

The breach was attributed to a state-sponsored actor, believed to be a group of hackers sponsored by the Russian government. The attackers used a combination of techniques to gain access to the accounts, including:

  1. Phishing: The attackers sent targeted phishing emails to Yahoo users, tricking them into revealing their login credentials.
  2. SQL injection: The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in Yahoo's database to gain access to user data.
  3. Cross-site scripting (XSS): The attackers used XSS attacks to inject malicious code into Yahoo's website, allowing them to steal user data.

The breach was not discovered until 2013, and it's believed that the attackers had been accessing the accounts for several years before that.

What can you do to protect your Yahoo email account?

  1. Change your password: Immediately change your password to a strong, unique one.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.
  3. Monitor your account activity: Regularly check your account activity to detect any suspicious behavior.
  4. Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique, strong passwords for all your accounts.
  5. Be cautious with links and attachments: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders.

If you're a Yahoo user, it's essential to take these precautions to protect your account and personal data.