Yahoo Inc has revealed the security of at least 500 million user accounts may have been breached at the end of 2014.<br /><br /> The company says information associated with at least 500 million user accounts was stolen from its network in 2014 by what is believes was a “state-sponsored actor”.<br /><br /> No further details of the perpetrator have been given.<br /><br /> The company says personal data including names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth and hashed passwords may have been stolen.<br /><br /> However, payment card data or bank account information is unlikely to have been accessed.<br /><br /> Yahoo says it has contacted all the clients affected and is working with police on the matter.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Yahoo reveals 'state-sponsored' hackers stole a massive 500 million user accounts in 2014 https://t.co/XbgT45ug3W— IBTimes UK (@IBTimesUK) September 22, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> What should clients do?<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Yahoo says it has taken all the steps necessary to protect its clients security.<br /><br /> However, the company is urging any user who has not changed their password since the end of 2014 to do so immediately.<br /><br /> Clients should also update their security questions, be wary about opening emails or downloading attachments from suspect senders and be prudent about any request for personal information.<br /><br /> They are also asked to monitor their accounts for any signs of suspect activity.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Sale to Verizon Communications Inc<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> It is not clear how this news might affect Yahoo’s plan to sell its email service and other core internet properties to Verizon Communications Inc.<br /><br /> Verizon said in July it would buy Yahoo’s core internet properties for nearly five billion dollars.<br /><br /> “We will evaluate as the investigation continues through the lens of overall Verizon interests. Until then, we are not in a position to further comment,” *Verizon*said in a statement.<br />
