by Brian Stieglitz, Adam Schrader and Sneljana Farberov at Daily Mail
Hackers have stolen 26 million user logins for tech giants including Amazon, Apple, Facebook as well as vital payment information in the latest online security breach.
The malware hack, exposed by cybersecurity provider NordLocker, also saw payment details nabbed from 3.25 million computers that run Windows software. It was uncovered after researchers discovered a 1.2 terabyte database filled with stolen personal information.
The other firms whose accounts were targeted include eBay, Instagram, Netflix, Paypal, Roblox, Steam, Twitch and Twitter. It saw victims computers’ infected by opening emails, or downloading bootleg software, and enabled the malware to take screenshots of their browsing activity – including private login details.
According to a report released by NordLocker on Wednesday, an unidentified, Trojan-type malware stole the files, including 26 million login credentials, between 2018 and 2020. It saw victims’ webcams taken over by the malware, which then took screenshots as people used their computers to reveal personal information.
It remains unclear if any of that data was then used to scam or defraud its rightful owners. People who fear they may have been targeted can visit the website haveibeenpwned and insert their details to find out.
The news comes amid a spike in cybersecurity and ransomware attacks affecting major American companies – one that crippled a key pipeline along the East Coast, affecting gasoline supplies and leading to shortages at filling stations. Another shut down beef plants of the world’s largest meat producer.
As for NordLocker and the huge cache of stolen data it found, the company said: ‘We want to make it clear: we did not purchase this database nor would we condone other parties doing it. A hacker group revealed the database location accidentally.’…
Continue Reading