Elance
HighElance's 2009 breach exposed 1.3 million user details, highlighting key security vulnerabilities.
- Records exposed
- 1,291,178 records
- Breach date
- Breach Jan 1, 2009
- Last update
- Updated Feb 18, 2017
What data was exposed?
Fields reported as compromised in this breach record.
Why does this breach matter?
In-depth analysis of the breach and its implications.
In 2009, the online staffing platform Elance experienced a data breach, but it wasn't publicly known until eight years later. During the breach, sensitive details of approximately 1.3 million user accounts were accessed, including email addresses, usernames, phone numbers, geographic locations, and password hashes. Such data exposure emphasized the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and user awareness.
Impact Analysis
Understanding the scope and consequences of this breach.
- User Impact
- Exposed user data may lead to phishing attacks or unauthorized account accesses.
- Business Impact
- Damage to brand reputation and loss of user trust in platform security.
- Affected Sectors
- Freelance and Staffing
- Geographic Impact
- Global
What You Should Do
Recommended actions to take in response to this breach.
If You Were Affected
- •Verify if your information is part of leaked data.
- •Promptly change passwords related to the email address used.
- •Monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity.
Preventive Measures
- •Regularly update and use unique passwords across platforms.
- •Enable multi-factor authentication on online accounts.
- •Stay informed about cybersecurity best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this breach and what it means for you.