JP — ITmedia
So-net Leaks Data of About 2.59 Million Members; Passwords Also Exposed for Some Email Services
Security1 min read
Sony Network Communications, the company behind the So-net internet service, says hackers got into its member database. About 2.59 million member records leaked, and about 54,000 email addresses and passwords were also exposed.
What happened
Sony Network Communications said that someone outside the company broke into the member database for its So-net internet service. Records of about 2.59 million members leaked. The list includes people who have already left the service. For some email services, email addresses and passwords also leaked. The company has reset those passwords and asked users to set new ones.
Key numbers and facts
- Total leaked member records: about 2,585,481
- So-net member records: 2,141,986
- plala (S course) member records: 443,495. This is a service for Docomo Hikari internet users.
- Email addresses and passwords leaked: about 54,401, from 4 email services
- Bank account details leaked for 16 accounts, and 7 password-reset notices. Bank PIN codes were not included.
Some background
So-net is an internet connection service. Many people use it for home internet and email. A member database stores personal details such as names, phone numbers, and birth dates. When a company stores this kind of data, hackers may try to steal it. Passwords and bank details are especially risky, because they can be used to get into accounts or take money.
Why it matters
Leaked personal details can be used in scam emails and text messages that look real. The company says it has not yet seen any harm from the leak. Still, users should be careful with unexpected messages. The company says it did not leak passwords for member accounts or credit card information, but email passwords for some services were exposed.
What to watch
- Whether the company finds out how the hackers got in and how far the damage spreads
- What the Personal Information Protection Commission decides after getting the company's report
- Any new scam emails or text messages that use the leaked information
- Whether users reset their email passwords as the company asked
Glossary
- So-net
- An internet connection service run by Sony Network Communications.
- Sony Network Communications
- A Japanese company that provides internet and network services, including So-net and NURO Hikari.
- plala
- A home internet service for Docomo Hikari users that can use So-net's connection settings.
- Personal Information Protection Commission
- A Japanese government group that watches over how companies protect personal information.