Liveblogging service CoverItLive suffers a data breach and resets users’ passwords

Liveblogging service CoverItLive has told its users that it recently suffered a data breach, and has reset all passwords as a precautionary measure.

CoverItLive, which is used by major news brands such as the BBC, Yahoo and Fox News to offer real-time reporting, says in an email to its users that “certain proprietary data files were accessed without authorization starting on or about January 7, 2012.” The company says although no financial information was accessed, it has not determined whether usernames, email addresses and passwords were accessed, and if so, to what extent.

The company has launched a password reset program today, and all users will be forced to set up a new password the next time they log in.

CoverItLive was acquired by Demand Media in March 2011 and offers a plug-in targeted at news organizations and bloggers that lets them publish text and multimedia, updated in real-time without requiring readers to refresh. A paid-for premium package offers additional features such as unlimited readers, custom branding, Groups and APIs.

Thanks to TNW reader Oliver Needham for the tip.