Emily Leyva | Contributing Writer
On Nov. 24, Trustwave researchers tracked an unknown server in the Netherlands and found that it was collecting massive amounts of data from hundreds of thousands of computers around the world. The server was giving access to hackers who breached and obtained private information, which included login and password information from computer users from over 93,000 websites.
Facebook was reported as having the highest amount of compromises, with over 318,000 users hacked, and Google, Google + and YouTube accounts trailing behind at 70,000.
In total, it was found that over two million accounts were hacked and possibly utilized.
“We don’t have evidence they logged into these accounts, but they probably did,” said John Miller, a security research manager at Trustwave.
Trustwave published its findings on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and shortly after, companies that were infiltrated such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter notified and reset the passwords for compromised users.
According to CNNMoney, “Miller said the team doesn’t yet know how the virus got onto so many personal computers. The hackers set up the keylogging software to rout information through a proxy server, so it’s impossible to track down which computers are infected.”
It is estimated that the hackers began collecting data on or around Oct. 21, and it might be ongoing. Although Trustwave discovered the Netherlands in Nov., Miller fears that there may be several other servers that are performing similar hacking schemes. Attempts are currently being made to locate the other suspecting servers.
With the holiday season approaching and a large majority of consumers flocking to their computers to complete their shopping, the risks of computer infections are greatly increased. However, internet users can protect themselves from identity theft by just performing a few simple and free routine checkups recommended by the FBI:
- Keep Your Firewall Turned On
- Install or Update Your Antivirus Software
- Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology
- Keep Your Operating System Up to Date
- Be Careful What You Download
- Turn Off Your Computer