Twitter is asking all users to change their passwords after a bug caused some passwords to be stored in plain text.
Twitter released a statement saying:
"We recently found a bug that stored passwords unmasked in an internal log. We fixed the bug and have no indication of a breach or misuse by anyone. As a precaution, consider changing your password on all services where you’ve used this password."
Their blog post explained the internal bug:
"We mask passwords through a process called hashing using a function known as bcrypt, which replaces the actual password with a random set of numbers and letters that are stored in Twitter’s system. This allows our systems to validate your account credentials without revealing your password. This is an industry standard.
Due to a bug, passwords were written to an internal log before completing the hashing process. We found this error ourselves, removed the passwords, and are implementing plans to prevent this bug from happening again."
The social media company offered tips on keeping your account secure:
"Again, although we have no reason to believe password information ever left Twitter’s systems or was misused by anyone, there are a few steps you can take to help us keep your account safe:
- Change your password on Twitter and on any other service where you may have used the same password.
- Use a strong password that you don’t reuse on other websites.
- Enable login verification, also known as two factor authentication. This is the single best action you can take to increase your account security.
- Use a password manager to make sure you’re using strong, unique passwords everywhere.
We are very sorry this happened. We recognize and appreciate the trust you place in us, and are committed to earning that trust every day."
We recently found a bug that stored passwords unmasked in an internal log. We fixed the bug and have no indication of a breach or misuse by anyone. As a precaution, consider changing your password on all services where you’ve used this password. https://t.co/RyEDvQOTaZ
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) May 3, 2018
Mandurah's Bar Therapy damaged by fire
Postman injured in Wannanup crash
Man charged after allegedly stealing service medals from Greenfields storage unit
South West resort receptionist charged with 32 fraud offences
Daughter of Port Kennedy hit-and-run victim pleads for offenders to hand themselves in
Concerns for missing woman last seen in Mandurah
Mandurah woman wanted for questioning over current investigation
Investigation underway into Bunbury sexual assault
Two motorcyclists seriously injured in separate crashes