Time Warner Cable encouraged its users to change passwords. The company revealed on Wednesday that about 320,000 email accounts and passwords may have been stolen.
The cable communications company revealed that about 320,000 may have been victims of data theft, of which sensitive information including email IDs and passwords may be compromised. Experts suggested that data were possibly obtained through a downloaded malware in hacking attacks on clients or indirect data breaching that targeted other companies keeping the Time Warner Cables' subscriber information.
Time Warner made clear that its cable systems showed no sign of breaching, and it has yet to determine how data were leaked. Its representative revealed that the possible data compromise was warranted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
To address the matter, Timer Warner is asking all of its users to update their email address and passwords. It has also further sent out emails and direct mails to notify its customers.
"We're contacting customers who could potentially be affected so they can take precautions, including changing their password to a strong, unique alternative," a spokesperson said. In addition, Time Warner has posted some tips on its website how to surf the net safely and prevent from falling prey to phishing attacks.
NBC News reports that the breaching mostly affected those under Roadrunner service. Thus, clients with email addresses that end in rr.com are required to modify their security codes. Resetting passwords on its website can be found under the Roadrunner Password Reset Tool page.
Although data breaching is no stranger to businesses, there has been a sudden increase of incidence. Phishers steal these sensitive data and sell them in the black market. Most of the time, phishing emails appear to be legit, tempting people to click and download the files they send.
