Yahoo Hacked Again, Over 1 Billion User Accounts Breached, Here's What You Should Do

Yahoo logo
Over 1 billion Yahoo accounts have been hacked back in August 2013. The tech company announced this months after they also revealed that at least 500 million accounts were also breached in 2014. C_osett via Flickr

Yahoo seems to have a problem with its cyber security. The tech company falls victim to another massive data breach. Over 1 billion Yahoo accounts have been hacked. The announcement comes months after it was reported that around 500 million user accounts were illegally accessed. The latest news puts Yahoo as the holder of the two largest data breach.

Yahoo's Chief Information Security Officer Bob Lord said that law officials "provided us with data files that a third party claimed was a Yahoo user data". The company asked help from outside experts to analyze the situation. It was later confirmed that an unauthorized third party actually stole data in August 2013. Though they admitted that the identity of these cyber criminals have not been identified yet. They immediately pointed out that this is not connected to the hacking incident they revealed back in Sept. 22.

Yahoo ensured users that their financial information that include payment card data and bank account information were not stolen. This is since the above information are not stored in the same system as the affected personal data. The cyber criminals were only able to access names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords and encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers.

Those whose accounts were breached are already being notified. If you are one of those affected by the hack, you are advised to change your password as well as the security questions and answers. You need to check if there are suspicious activity in your accounts. In addition, you should be extra cautious of emails that ask for your personal information or go to websites that would ask you the same thing.

Make sure to steer clear from links and attachments that are malicious. You might also want to use a Yahoo Account Key that enables simple authentication and does not require you to use a password on Yahoo. For further information regarding the matter, you should visit the Yahoo Security Issue FAQs page, https://yahoo.com/security-update. Yahoo vowed to "continuously enhance safeguards and systems" to counter possible unauthorized access to user accounts.

If you are worried about someone stealing your identity, you should probably need to place a fraud alert on your credit file or place a security freeze. You can contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/idtheft/ or 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338), in case you want to take this action.

This is the second time that Yahoo has to deal with a massive data breach. Back in September, the company announced that 500 million accounts were hacked in late 2014. According to RT, Yahoo said in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission last November that the hackers might have planted a malware that allowed access to compromised accounts.

The two hacks can cause more uncertainties for Verizon to pursue on acquiring Yahoo. It will likely lessen the chances of the company. Telecommunications industry analyst Jeff Kagan told The Washington Post, "This is another major blow. It throws into question what's really going on at Yahoo. And if you don't really know what's going on at Yahoo, does Verizon have the guts to buy a potential bomb? This company could explode with major problems and major loses."

Yahoo does not seem to be bothered that this second hack could hurt them with Verizon. In fact, the company said in a statement, "We are confident in Yahoo's value and we continue to work towards integration with Verizon." Bob Varettoni, as spokesman for Verizon, also said, "We will evaluate the situation as Yahoo continues its investigation. We will review the impact of this new development before reaching any final conclusions."

It should be noted that back in October, Verizon's general counsel Craig Siliman revealed that the company is reconsidering the planned purchase of Yahoo after the news of breach accounts on September. Siliman even cited that Verizon believes that the said hack could actually affect a clause in their $4.82 billion deal. They may walk away if they find out that there is a reasonable basis to do so, according to Reuters.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.