eBay users still at risk

What happens when you are an online entity storing millions of consumers information in a database that ends up getting broken into? Mass chaos, correct?

Well not quite, but eBay is urging users to be aware that their information may still be at risk, despite changing their passwords.

While hackers most undoubtedly go after passwords in a data breach, eBay wants its users to know that changing their password may not be the only thing they need to keep an eye on. Hackers were also able to access a customer database that included lots of other personal information as well, including names, mailing addresses and dates of birth. Unfortunately, none of that data can be changed with the click of a button.

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Thanks to eBay using PayPal and other avenues to store credit car and payment information, the company has noted that nothing of that sort seems to have been compromised.

eBay currently has 145 million active users and millions more users that are currently dormant. Unfortunately, they have no idea how many or which of those accounts may have been affected by the breach. eBay did note the attack took place between late February and Early march and also said the following information of users was at risk:

Customer name
Encrypted password
Email address
Physical address
Phone number
Date of birth

Credit cards and payment devices aren’t the only pieces of important data to users. Identity theft can be achieved rather simply by a skilled hacker with a few bits of information. It is important for users to keep track of their situation in the coming months. Also, continuing to be wary of false emails and phone calls is a must.

In light of the recent Target breach, eBay should feel absolutely embarrassed for the current situation of their users. First off, with the breach having happened in between February and March, the information is now just being released in late May. Furthermore, eBay, a company built on an increasing bottom line, failed to encrypt even the smallest of personal information. For a consumer driven entity making money hand over fist, mishaps like these are absolutely irresponsible, and eBay will and should be held accountable.