Google is urging Gmail users to change their passwords after a database with user information was exposed online by hackers.
According to The Next Web, Google have said they do not believe this is the result of any sort of security breach, but has advised users to change passwords immediately.
Hackers revealed nearly 5 million Gmail account details and passwords on Bitcoin Security – a popular Russian website devoted to cryptocurrency.
The person who leaked the details said the account holders were English, Spanish and Russian – with 60 percent of those accounts still active.
Two-step authentication
Google is warning affected users to take steps to further protect their Gmail accounts, such as creating a stronger password and using an extra security feature called two-step authentication.
Two-step authentication is a security measure where users are required to provide a passcode sent to their mobile devices before any changes can be made to their account.
Have my details been posted online?
There is a free tool available for you to check if your account has been affected.
Read more on the The Next Web website.
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If you are a victim of fraud you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.
