Myspace hack prompts AFP to urge social media users to delete old accounts
A recent password hack of 360 million accounts on the social media platform Myspace has prompted the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to warn users to delete old and unused accounts.
In recent weeks, Myspace user login data was made available on an online hacker forum, Myspace said in a blog post on its website.
The data stolen included user login data from a portion of accounts that were created prior to June 11, 2013, on the old Myspace platform.
"We believe the data breach is attributed to Russian Cyberhacker Peace," Myspace said.
"This same individual is responsible for other recent criminal attacks, such as those on LinkedIn and Tumblr, and has claimed on the paid hacker search engine, LeakedSource, that the data is from a past breach."
Email addresses, Myspace usernames and Myspace passwords were stolen in the hack.
Myspace said it had invalidated all user passwords for the affected accounts created prior to the date, and users would need to authenticate their accounts.
In light of the recent hacks, the AFP has reminded people to consider deleting old accounts to avoid identity theft.
"Personal details could potentially fall into the hands of marketers looking to spam you, or worse still, by criminals to commit fraud," it said on Facebook.
"Keep yourself safe online — delete all your old user accounts and consider changing your passwords."
In a statement to the ABC, the AFP said all internet users should be aware that virtual strangers can obtain large amounts of personal information from photos, videos and posts.