Valve's Gabe Newell has issued another letter to all Steam users, but if you're like me, you don't leave the program running constantly so that some work can get done. This is a follow-up to the company finding out that intruders had accessed a Steam database.
"Recently we learned that it is probable that the intruders obtained a copy of a backup file with information about Steam transactions between 2004 and 2008," writes Newell. "This backup file contained user names, email addresses, encrypted billing addresses and encrypted credit card information. It did not include Steam passwords."
"We do not have any evidence that the encrypted credit card numbers or billing addresses have been compromised. However as I said in November it's a good idea to watch your credit card activity and statements. And of course keeping Steam Guard on is a good idea as well."
Dear Steam Users and Steam Forum Users
We continue our investigation of last year's intrusion with the help of outside security experts. In my last note about this, I described how intruders had accessed our Steam database but we found no evidence that the intruders took information from that database. That is still the case.
Recently we learned that it is probable that the intruders obtained a copy of a backup file with information about Steam transactions between 2004 and 2008. This backup file contained user names, email addresses, encrypted billing addresses and encrypted credit card information. It did not include Steam passwords.
We do not have any evidence that the encrypted credit card numbers or billing addresses have been compromised. However as I said in November it's a good idea to watch your credit card activity and statements. And of course keeping Steam Guard on is a good idea as well.
We are still investigating and working with law enforcement authorities. Some state laws require a more formal notice of this incident so some of you will get that notice, but we wanted to update everyone with this new information now.
Gabe
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Contest:
6:30 PM on 02.10.2012 | 
though i wasn never hack and rarely visit the forums so i unlikely to be hack, but it's always good to be prepared for the worst :P
This is true.
I just checked some of your other comments.
You're trying too hard, bro.
Seriously though, Valve appears to be handling this correctly. As a personal precaution I don't let them store my CC info. So I have to uncheck a box every time I buy something. However, I now have my CC memorized due to repetition. ;vD
Also, let's look at the obvious thing: They are a digital distribution / DRM-lite company. If they bomb out and compromise the trust of its rather large user base, there will be hell to pay. It would take an emergency "Oh crap we screwed up! A bunch of games are on sale!" sale to smooth this over -- at a minimum.
So yeah, good for them doing the right thing and keeping their paying customers at least somewhat up to date.
Also, friendly suggestion: make sure your Steam PW is different from your forum PW. I think they even suggest that, but it's worthwhile reiterating.
@halo: LOL! Origin... Oh man, that's HI-larious. Oh man, gotta breathe... It must be a full moon, when even the trolls can't get their head screwed on right.
Are you serious? Like, no joke, are you serious? Origin is TERRIBLE. It's practically Spyware from EA.
Have you even used Steam before? What's cool about it is that it works the way it's meant to.
Worst. Troll. Ever.
Suck for those who had current info taken. :(
I just checked some of your other comments.
You're trying too hard, bro.
Valve is fucking overrated and just as bad as every other game company, yeh I just said that.
Kid you might be retarded