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AV

Avast

Medium

Avast's forum suffered a breach in May 2014 exposing details of 423,000 users.

Records exposed
422,959 records
Breach date
Breach May 26, 2014
Last update
Updated Mar 12, 2016

What data was exposed?

Fields reported as compromised in this breach record.

Email addressesPasswordsUsernames

Why does this breach matter?

In-depth analysis of the breach and its implications.

In May 2014, Avast's online forum, hosted using the Simple Machines platform, experienced a data breach that compromised 422,959 user accounts. Exposed information included usernames, email addresses, and password hashes, raising concerns regarding account security and protection methods.

Impact Analysis

Understanding the scope and consequences of this breach.

User Impact
Users' credentials may be at risk due to exposure, potentially leading to account misuse if appropriate precautions are not undertaken.
Business Impact
This incident likely affected customer trust and necessitated enhanced security measures within Avast's online services.
Affected Sectors
  • Technology
Geographic Impact
  • Global

What You Should Do

Recommended actions to take in response to this breach.

If You Were Affected

  • Change passwords for Avast-related accounts immediately.
  • Implement unique passwords for each online account.
  • Watch out for phishing attempts leveraging exposed data.

Preventive Measures

  • Use two-factor authentication for online accounts.
  • Monitor websites for unusual activity or breaches.
  • Ensure platforms utilize robust encryption techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this breach and what it means for you.

Details of the hash format aren't specified, but strong algorithms should be used.