"Neopets" platform breach has been confirmed by the game's owner, Viacom. The American multinational mass media conglomerate, which also owns Nickelodeon, announced the cyberattack on Wednesday, July 20.
(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @ejvla2)
'Neopets' Platform Breach Affects Millions of Users! Hacker Sells User Data for Four BTC
Neopets https://t.co/nVPqbcMDkY pic.twitter.com/FFY2Bl1peg
— E. (@ejvla2) July 15, 2022
If you are unfamiliar with this game, it is a virtual pet website allowing users to have their own virtual animals.
They can also purchase various items win the platform using the so-called Neopoints and Neocash.
neopets user data got leaked again i love this website pic.twitter.com/p7ZyBgEacP
— Beau 🎣 CEO of Spottedleaf (@polygonyall) July 20, 2022
This game has been among kids ever since it was launched way back in November 1999. "Neopets" doesn't only focus on one game. Instead, it offers various puzzles, as well as daily activities, keeping kids busy.
'Neopets' Platform Breach Affects Millions of Users!
According to The Verge's latest report, Viacom is already investigating the latest breach affecting "Neopets" users. More than 69 million gamers are estimated to be affected by the sudden cyberattack.
Neopets recently became aware that customer data may have been stolen. We immediately launched an investigation assisted by a leading forensics firm. We are also engaging law enforcement and enhancing the protections for our systems and our user data. (1/3)
— neopets (@Neopets) July 21, 2022
"We immediately launched an investigation assisted by a leading forensics firm. We are also engaging law enforcement and enhancing the protections for our systems and our user data," said Viacom via its official Twitter announcement.
The mass media company also warned users that their email addresses, as well as passwords, were included in the massive data breach.
It appears that email addresses and passwords used to access Neopets accounts may have been affected. We strongly recommend that you change your Neopets password. If you use the same password on other websites, we recommend that you also change those passwords. (2/3)
— neopets (@Neopets) July 21, 2022
What Viacom suggests is to change passwords immediately. If you are using your "Neopets" password for other accounts, the company highly recommends updating them as soon as possible.
This is a live breach, by the way. Changing your password will do nothing pic.twitter.com/88fGpaJgOp
— internet funny man 🌠(@FritzMyles_) July 21, 2022
Viacom assured consumers that they would provide updates on their ongoing investigation.
'Neopets' Data Being Sold for Four BTC?
Bleeping Computer reported that the hacker behind the massive "Neopets" data breach was spotted. But, his real identity is still unknown.
TarTarX was seen offering the virtual pet platform's database on a hacking forum on Tuesday, July 19. The cyberattacker allegedly sells the hacked database for four Bitcoins (around $90,500).
Those who saw the hacked database claimed that email addresses and passwords were not the only ones compromised. Other personal details include gender, zip code, date of birth, as well as country.
On the other hand, some experts said that changing your "Neopets" passwords may worsen the scenario, especially if the hackers still have access to "Neopets" servers.
Recently, cybersecurity experts warned that scammers are using Google Reviews to extort money from restaurants.
Meanwhile, Alibaba execs were called out by Chinese officials as part of their investigation for the largest data theft.
For more news updates about the "Neopets" data breach and other security threats, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
