Killer Instincts

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
Earlier this week, Steam's forums were breached by hackers, and while that is a nuisance, it's not as bad as the database itself getting hacked. Well it turns out in a message from Valve's Gabe Newell, that yes, indeed the database was hacked. I knew it was weird that I couldn't log into Steam the other day.

At least, unlike Sony, Valve's wisely decided to show some transparency and keep its customers in the know asap. Here's what they had to say about the compromised information and what it means:

This database contained information including user names, hashed and salted passwords, game purchases, email addresses, billing addresses and encrypted credit card information. We do not have evidence that encrypted credit card numbers or personally identifying information were taken by the intruders, or that the protection on credit card numbers or passwords was cracked. We are still investigating.

Don't go freaking out just yet. The letter goes on to say that "we don't have evidence of credit card misuse at this time. Nonetheless you should watch your credit card activity and statements closely." Further, they "do not know of any compromised Steam accounts." Because of this, a password change hasn't been deemed mandatory, but Valve advises it nonetheless.

Hopefully this doesn't get any worse and we don't have another PSN fiasco on our hands.

[Source]

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AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
Yesterday we reported on Steam's security breach in which their database was accessed by hackers, who made off with encrypted personal information such as passwords, email and billing addresses, and possibly credit card numbers.

Today there's more news, but it's of the nicer variety. From an email that was sent by Gabe Newell, Valve is going to be "rolling out some free copies of DOTA 2 and Portal 2 soon". It's not clear from the email whether that move is meant to appease customers worried about the leak, but with the timing of it one would guess that's the case.

It's also important to stress again that any information accessed was heavily encrypted and Valve doesn't have cause to believe that we'll need to change our passwords or credit card info. That kind of a claim is usually small comfort, but Valve has a history of transparency and honesty with its customers.

[Source]

View the original article here