Hackers Invade Online Game Accounts

Security experts at SophosLabs have advised computer users not to use the same password on several websites as it increases the chances of being victimized by hackers.

A hacker interjected into the database containing information of 650,000 gamers of the "Second Life" online game. The information comprised of residential addresses, passwords and credit card specifications. Users of the game were since asked to change their passwords. However, it is just not enough for users to change their passwords of the "Second Life" accounts for if they apply the new password to other sites the risk still remains. They must have different passwords for the different sites.

Hackers' intention of the online game attack is to steal account information and break into users' game accounts. Having access to that, they could sell off the virtual goods like weapons, clothing, armor and others in those accounts. Virtual goods from such online games can value up to hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.

A recent web poll revealed that 41 percent of PC users at businesses repeated a single password on every occasion while only 14 percent used different passwords for different websites.

According to Graham Cluley, 'senior technology consultant' at "Sophos", gamers would be wrong to think that if they modify their password they have erased the danger, because hackers to target other accounts could still use the old password. The worrying part is that even if avenue has been closed to gain access to personal accounts by criminals, they could still try by accessing the e-mail, "eBay" or online banking accounts of unwitting 'Second Life' users.

Since every website may not treat password with a similar level of secrecy, it is crucial that users make sure that they construct a password different for every site they access especially if the sites hold sensitive information about them. Moreover the passwords should not be just short words but constructed hard enough for a second person to guess.

Companies are recommended not only to safeguard their desktops with updated anti-virus solutions but also train and re-train their staff on safe Web surfing as well as appropriate use of passwords.

Related article: Hackers Redirect Windows Live Search to Malicious Sites

» SPAMfighter News - 9/20/2006