eBay tells users to change passwords

Internet site eBay has urged its users to change their passwords following a cyber-attack that has seriously compromised the site’s database security.

The company, which learnt of the system break-in two weeks ago, has said that the move is only a precautionary measure and that the breach has not resulted in any unauthorised activity.

The database was compromised between late February and early March when hackers infiltrated it by accessing the log-in details of eBay employees.

At-risk information included the names, encrypted passwords, email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth of eBay customers. 

Despite this wealth of data the internet company assures customers that, following extensive tests on its networks, it can confirm that the breach had not resulted in any unauthorised activity or compromised any financial data. 

eBay has said that it is ‘best practice’ for users to alter their passwords as it would “help enhance security for eBay users”.

According to the company there has been no increase in fraudulent activity since the hack and Paypal, which eBay owns, is unaffected, as it runs from a different database.

eBay said in its statement: “Working with law enforcement and leading security experts, the company is aggressively investigating the matter and applying the best forensics tools and practices to protect customers.”

Customers of the site who use the same password for other websites should change their passwords on all sites.