University Times

Computing Services and Systems Development (CSSD) is urging Pitt users who use the professional social networking site LinkedIn to change their LinkedIn password immediately in the wake of a recent hacking incident in which approximately 6.5 million LinkedIn passwords were stolen.

CSSD also is advising that those who use their LinkedIn password for other services — such as Pitt computing accounts — should change those passwords as well.

LinkedIn acknowledged that a small subset of the hacked passwords had been decoded and published last week on a hacker site online.

A message posted on Linked-In June 7 by director Vicente Silveira stated, “To the best of our knowledge, no email logins associated with the passwords have been published, nor have we received any verified reports of unauthorized access to any member’s account as a result of this event.”

The accounts associated with the decoded passwords were locked down and the passwords invalidated. In addition, LinkedIn disabled passwords of other members that it believed potentially could be affected. The users were being notified to reset their passwords, he stated.

Silveira advised users to:

• Update LinkedIn (and other passwords) at least once every few months;

• Use different passwords for each site or account;

• Create a strong password that includes letters, numbers and other characters;

• Be wary of phishing or spam emails that request personal or sensitive information.

To change University computing account passwords, click on “Profile” at my.pitt.edu, then select “change account password.”

Assistance also is available through the Technology help desk at 412/624-HELP (412/624-4357).