Change My Password logs 10 millionth account

Australian-developed email security website Should I Change My Password has revealed it has recorded its 10 millionth compromised email address.

The website, which provides a way for email users to check their account against a list of known compromised addresses, is operated by the Avalanche Technology Group.

Avalanche commercial manager Shayne Tilley said that the group was discovering thousands of new compromised emails and passwords every day.

“It’s scary to think that in less than two years, hackers have made more email addresses and passwords public on the internet than the entire population of NSW,” he said.

For security reasons the website stores discovered emails and passwords in an encrypted database, meaning neither outside parties or Avalanche's internal team is capable of accessing them.

The database generates a unique ID, which is then checked against when an email address is entered into the website.

Should I Change My Password has been set up to encourage computer users to pick secure passwords, as well as different passwords for every site.

The site recommends that users change their email passwords as soon as a compromise is discovered.

The Avalanche Technology Group also comprises antivirus company AVG Australia and New Zealand, as well as online PC backup service provider Carbonite Australia.