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CT Better Business Bureau Urges Users To Change LinkedIn Passwords ASAP

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Users of the social media site LinkedIn are urged to change their passwords right away, after the company confirmed passwords were stolen and now "being sold on the black market," according to a Connecticut Better Business Bureau announcement.

The Connecticut Better Business Bureau urges users to change their LinkedIn passwords immediately.

The Connecticut Better Business Bureau urges users to change their LinkedIn passwords immediately.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The social network site now says 117 million passwords were stolen and that it is contacting users directly by email recommending they log in and change their passwords, said the release. 

Users at increased risk of being victims of fraud are ones who "use the same password for multiple sites, said the BBB.

Hackers use stolen information to try and access victims’ email, financial accounts and popular sites that rely on an email and password combination. 

Enable Safer Login Technology Security experts are calling on consumers to adopt a safer login system called “multi-step” authentication, said the release.

A growing number of websites have adopted this technology, but users must first activate the feature to use it. 

Multi-step authentication requires a login, password and security code sent to your telephone or text, or generated by a smart device application. 

This additional authentication greatly increases security by blocking anyone from logging in to your accounts unless they have your smart device. 

A growing number of sites have adopted this technology but it is optional, and users must activate the feature manually. 

The BBB advises in the aftermath of LinkedIn’s revelations, be suspicious of any email that appears to come from LinkedIn, but asks for personal information or instructs you to click on a link or open an attachment. 

Click here for more information and tips on security and other customer resources.

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