62000 compromised email accounts have been released publicly

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                         AUSCERT Security Bulletin

                               ASB-2011.0049
            62000 compromised email accounts released publicly
                               17 June 2011

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OVERVIEW

        AusCERT has been notified regarding a list of compromised email 
        accounts which have been released to the public by a group of hackers
        who refer to themselves as LulzSec. The anonymous group released
        approximately 62000 compromised email accounts and their passwords. Of
        these 62000, there were approximately 250 email accounts belonging to
        Australian domains included in the list. This data is believed to have
        been stolen from compromised websites, for example www.writerspace.com
        have stated that 12000 of the emails are from a compromise which took
        place on their website. [1] Contrary to some media articles, there is 
        no indication that the data came from any Australian universities.


IMPACT

        If you have registered on www.writerspace.com you should change your 
        password immediately. If you have used the same password on any other 
        sites you should change those immediately also.


MITIGATION

        AusCERT is taking measures to notify affected members of any 
        compromised details containing email accounts under their 
        jurisdiction.


REFERENCES

        [1] Breaking News!
            http://www.writerspace.com/

AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate.  However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.

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Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:      (07) 3365 7031
Telephone:      (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
                AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours 
                which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
                On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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