Watch CBS News

Hackers Link In to LinkedIn, Leaving Users Vulnerable

By Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Hackers targeting the relationship-building web site LinkedIn have put millions of accounts at risk.

UPDATE: LinkedIn admits to compromised passwords

Now, a tech expert has advice for those on the business social network: "Better go change your LinkedIn password."

CNET senior editor Bridget Carey says millions of encrypted passwords were leaked online, and computer criminals are working to crack them and perhaps match them to user names and e-mail addresses.

"It's just another realization that you have to be so careful when using your password for more than one service," she says.

And there's another privacy concern for LinkedIn members who use the app for iPhone or iPad.

"When you launch the app, it simply says, 'Add your calendar, get info about who you're meeting today.' "  But, Carey says, it doesn't tell you that it's pulling the private meeting notes from your calendar and sending them to LinkedIn.

The company says it did so -- securely -- to give you more information about the meeting, and users can switch off the feature.   But in response to criticism, LinkedIn says it will no longer grab those notes.

Read the recent KYW Regional Affairs Council Report, "Senior Scams."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.