Honda warns customers of email database breach

Hackers have compromised the email addresses of millions of Honda Motor Co. customers in an incident likely linked to a recently announced breach at an email marketing solutions provider.

According to reports, the carmaker this week said some two million Honda owners and three million Acura owners were affected. Honda Motor Co. owns Acura.

The incident is believed to be related to a database breach at Silverpop Systems, a third-party firm that provides marketing services to more than 105 corporate clients. Recent announcements by McDonald's and Walgreens that their customer email addresses were compromised also is believed related to the Silverpop breach.

The information stolen from Honda customers also includes names and vehicle identification numbers, though no financial data was exposed, according to reports and the company.

Honda, in an FAQ document on its website, said customers do not have to change their passwords, but offered instructions if they choose to do so.

"Law enforcement authorities have been contacted, and an investigation is in process," the company said. "Further, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is taking steps to minimize this type of exposure in the future."