Yahoo email privacy alert
The Yahoo email privacy alert!
In 2013, Yahoo announced that it had been hacked, and the personal data of approximately 3 billion users was compromised. This was one of the largest data breaches in history. The breach was discovered in August 2013, but Yahoo didn't notify users until September 2016.
The stolen data included:
- Email addresses
- Passwords (hashed, but still vulnerable to cracking)
- Security questions and answers
- Birthdates
- Phone numbers
- Backup email addresses
The breach was attributed to a state-sponsored actor, believed to be a group of hackers sponsored by the Russian government.
In 2017, Yahoo agreed to pay $350 million to settle a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 47 US states over the breach.
What can you do to protect your Yahoo email account?
- Change your password: Immediately change your Yahoo password to a strong, unique one.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your account. You can enable 2FA by going to your Yahoo account settings.
- Monitor your account activity: Regularly check your account activity to detect any suspicious behavior.
- Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for all your accounts.
- Be cautious with links and attachments: Be wary of suspicious links and attachments in emails, even from trusted sources.
Remember, it's essential to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect your online accounts and personal data.
If you're concerned about the security of your Yahoo email account, you may want to consider switching to a different email provider.