Rash of data thefts emphasize need for strong user passwords

07/13, 12:30am

Yahoo, Phandroid break-ins expose well over 1 million users

Several significant data breaches have occurred over the last several days, and some criminal activity using previously stolen data has also occurred very recently -- a reminder to users security on e-commerce sites is not solely in the hands of the merchant. Yahoo Voices experienced a break-in with more than 400,000 email and plain-text password combinations were leaked onto the internet. Additionally, Android news and community site Phandroid's million-strong user information database is potentially out in the open as well. Best Buy is currently seeing user credentials farmed from previous break-ins being used to fraudulently purchase easily cash-convertible items, such as Xbox Live or Playstation Network code cards.

Huge security breach compromises e-mail from TiVo, banks

04/03, 6:50pm

TiVo, bank e-mail exposed in Epsilon hack

Large-scale e-mail marketer Epsilon warned this weekend that at least 14 major companies had their e-mail lists compromised through a security hack. TiVo, as well as banks like Capital One, Citi, and JPMorgan Chase, warned that their customers could be targeted by phishing attempts or anything else that relies on knowing an e-mail address. The affected group stressed that they didn't have any other personally identifying data besides names, although rewards programs from Marriott and Ritz-Carleton also exposed point balances.