Public Service Annoucement: LinkedIn Users Change Your Passwords

Rumors are quickly spreading on the web that approximately 6.5 million LinkedIn password hashes may have been leaked via a Russian hacker site. Regardless of the accuracy of the rumors many of you might want to take proactive steps and change your passwords.

Many of you are also likely reusing passwords across your various social networks and personal sites (i.e., blogs, forums, etc..). If you are, this is a good time to update and look at leverage password generators.

Norweigan IT webite Dagens IT reported the breach, with 6.5 million encrypted passwords posted to a Russian hacker site. Security researcher Per Thorsheim has also confirmed reports via his Twitter feed, stating that the attackers have posted the encrypted passwords to request help cracking them. -source: TNW Social Media

Password Reminders

Here is a quick reminder of things you should keep in mind when creating new passwords:

• Include Upper / Lower
• Include Special Characters
• Use Numbers
• Longer than 12 characters
• Phassphrases are your friend
• Don’t reuse passwords

Some common mistakes:

• No Dates
• No Names
• No Places
• No Pets