Security alert as Spotify user data appears online

Tech blogs revealed last week that Spotify user data was published on Pastebin.com, with TechCrunch reportedly verifying some of the account data was in fact genuine.

Some users have reported songs they didn’t choose appearing on their playlists while others, more worryingly, have found themselves locked out from their accounts after their login credentials were apparently changed by third parties.

One explanation for the data appearing online is that the service was hacked, but Spotify were quick to deny any security breach occurred.

A Spotify spokesman said: “Spotify has not been hacked and our user records are secure. We monitor Pastebin and other sites regularly. When we find Spotify credentials, we first verify they are authentic, and if they are, we immediately notify affected users to change their passwords.”

While Spotify insists user data is safe - and affected customers will be notified of any issues - it would now be a good time to change your password.

And if you use the same passwords for multiple services - for example Facebook, twitter or your email account - change those as well.

Follow this password advice to keep your data safe online

Make sure you use different passwords for each different social media account.

Always log off if you leave your device unattended - it only takes a second for someone to steal your password

Avoid entering passwords on computers you don’t own

Don’t tell anyone your password. Relationships come and go - a trusted friend or partner could be a bitter ex in the future.

Change your passwords periodically. The more sensitive the information, the more often you should change your credentials.

Check your password strength. If the site you are signing up for offers a password strength analyser,listen to its advice.