Twitter Logo (Photo : Reuters/Kacper Pempel)
Twitter has sent an email to an unknown number of account-holders, informing them that "state-sponsored" hackers could be trying to steal telephone numbers, email addresses, and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. The microblogging service admitted that it was not completely certain that government hacks had obtained Twitter users' personal information, but believes they were the target of attempted data theft.
This is the first time Twitter has issued a hack alert, according to BBC. Various types of individuals and companies have reported receiving the email warning, including journalists and security researchers.
The Canada-based non-profit organization Coldhak posted a copy of the email from Twitter. It states that the social network has no evidence or further details about any governments hacking its Twitter account.
The emails suggest that users take steps to protect their personal information. That includes a link to data on Tor, whose free software offers anonymous communication.
Facebook and Google have issued similar security warnings in the past, according to CNET. In October of this year Facebook informed users in a blog post about possible hack attacks by state-sponsored "actors."
Many high-profile headline-making hacks in recent years have included the United States, and China or North Korea. Both sides have accused the other of high-tech spying of governments and companies.
Business Insider reported that some of the biggest hacks and security vulnerabilities this year have involved Android devices, Mac OS X, Dell computers, GM's OnStar system, online dating service Ashley Madison, and U.S. government websites.
A hack of Sony late last year involved both governmental and commercial parties. Some IT experts including those at the U.S.'s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) traced the hack to the North Korean state, although Pyongyang has vehemently denied it was responsible for the security breach.
Social media has become a big battleground for online hackers and security researchers. The militant group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has used global social networks to recruit new members, while the hacktivist group Anonymous has declared war on the terrorist group.
