LinkedIn has launched an investigation into reports that its password database has been compromised with more than six million users’ details posted online. The business social network is examining claims by security analysts that millions of encrypted passwords have been published on a Russian hacker’s website.

Graham Cluley, a cyber security expert, said the passwords were now likely to be in the hands of criminals and advised the website’s 160 million users worldwide to immediately change their login details.

This will cause fresh embarrassment for LinkedIn, which is also facing privacy concerns about its mobile calendar application.

It said in a message on Twitter: “Our team is currently looking into reports of stolen passwords. Stay tuned for more.”

Guardian News Service