With increasing online activity comes increasing online vulnerability from hackers. (Photo : Reuters)
GoToMyPC has globally reset all of the passwords of their users after a massive data breach that led to a potential compromise of their customer details.
Passwords could have been stolen as GoToMyPC was attacked by hackers after they used login credentials from other data breaches. The company has also reset the passwords after another remote access system attack from hackers.
The online service allowed customers to remotely access their computers even if they are not at home or at their office. It is a useful tool for those who need to work but can't really bring the data or the processing power of their desktop computers with them.
GoToMyPC owner Citrix said that they have already conducted a mandatory password reset for all of their users in order to prevent the stolen passwords from being used on their service, BBC News has learned. They also suggested that the users use two-step verification in order to fully protect their accounts.
Two-step verification often involves another form of authentication besides the user's password. For instance, a code could be sent to the user's email or smartphone after they have entered the password for their account to ensure that they are the ones logging in and not a hacker.
Citrix Product Line Director John Bennett said that the GoToMyPC data breach did not lead to a compromise of their own systems contrary to what earlier reports have claimed, Krebs on Security reported. They have also confirmed that there were no indications as of now that their other services and platforms have been compromised as well.
The company also operates GoToMeeting which is aimed at businesses and enterprises. GoToAssist is also another product from the company that is designed for technical support specialists.
"At this time, the response includes a mandatory password reset for all GoToMyPC users. Citrix encourages customers to visit the GoToMyPC status page to learn about enabling two-step verification, and to use strong passwords in order to keep accounts as safe as possible," Bennett said in a statement.
GoToMyPC users should enable two-step verification and use stronger passwords in order to further protect their accounts. They should also refrain from using the same passwords that they use in other accounts as well as hackers can try and use whatever password they have to access online banking accounts and such.
