Twitch hit by possible data breach, resets user passwords

Twitch, which is owned by Amazon.com, has reset users' passwords and stream keys and disconnected accounts from Twitter and YouTube. Users will need to set up a new password the next time they log in, it said.

In a brief blog post, Twitch didn't say how many accounts were affected, nor did it say exactly what data was accessed, referring only to "user account information." A spokesman for the service declined to comment further.

Twitch is recommending to users that they change their passwords for any other sites where they use the same or a similar password. "We will communicate directly with affected users with additional details," it said.

Twitch lets users of game consoles like the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 stream their games online so others can watch. The company said earlier this year it had 100 million monthly viewers.

It was bought by Amazon last year for almost $1 billion.

Zach Miners covers social networking, search and general technology news for IDG News Service. Follow Zach on Twitter at @zachminers. Zach's e-mail address is zach_miners@idg.com