Rift Account Database Hacked, Exposing Some Personal Info

The latest videogame target of hackers is Trion Worlds MMO Rift. The game's publisher is notifying customers that an account database has been breached, potentially revealing information like user names, encrypted passwords, email addresses, and, most alarmingly, the first and last four digits of users' credit card numbers.

At this point Trion claims "there is no evidence, and we have no reason to believe, that full credit card information was accessed or compromised in any way." However reassuring that may or may not be, the company is working to bolster its security to prevent subsequent attacks as it continues investigating the severity of the breach.

Word of the attack was sent out to Rift players by email and has also been posted on Trion's website. It's stated that access to Rift should not be affected; players can continue to play without any problems once they've done a mandatory password reset (and reconnected their mobile authenticator, if they use one).

"We've taken many precautions to protect our customers' information and will continue to do so," reads an answer on an FAQ regarding the incident. "Credit card information provided to Trion is always fully encrypted with high levels of encryption. We also do not store plain text passwords, and there is no evidence, and we have no reason to believe, that full credit card information was accessed or compromised in any way. Nonetheless, as a precaution, we are requiring users to change their password on our website, and we encourage them to keep an eye on their account."

As was the case with many of the hack attacks that took place earlier this year -- the PlayStation Network, EVE Online, and Eidos were just a few of the targets -- users are encouraged to keep a close eye on their credit card statements and to change their login info at any other websites that share a password with their Rift account. They should also be wary of any suspicious emails. Instructions for placing a security freeze or ordering a free credit report can be found here.

As a small apology, Rift users are being granted three days of free game time even though the game won't be unavailable as a result of the hack. All users, even those who haven't yet bought the game, will also be given a Moneybags' Purse after updating their account and setting a new password; this item increases looted coins by 10 percent.