Billions of Google, Facebook, Apple and Social Media Passwords Leaked
NEW YORK (AP) — Researchers from the cybersecurity organization Cybernews report that billions of passwords and login credentials have been compromised and assembled into online datasets, granting criminals “unprecedented access” to the accounts that consumers utilize daily.
A report released this week indicates that Cybernews researchers have identified 30 exposed datasets, each containing a significant volume of login information — totaling 16 billion compromised credentials. This includes user passwords for various popular platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Apple.
The figure of sixteen billion is approximately double the current global population, suggesting that affected consumers may have had credentials for multiple accounts compromised. Cybernews emphasizes that there are likely duplicates within the data, making it “impossible to determine how many individuals or accounts were genuinely exposed.”
It is also crucial to understand that the leaked login information does not originate from a single source, such as a specific breach targeting one company. Rather, it seems that the data was acquired through numerous incidents over time, subsequently compiled and briefly made public, which is when Cybernews states its researchers uncovered it.
Cybernews has indicated that various infostealers are likely responsible for this breach. Infostealers are a type of malicious software designed to infiltrate a victim’s device or systems to extract sensitive information.
Numerous inquiries persist regarding the leaked credentials, particularly concerning the current holders of the login information. However, as data breaches increasingly proliferate in contemporary society, specialists continue to emphasize the necessity of upholding essential “cyber hygiene.”
If you are concerned about the possibility of your account data being compromised in a recent breach, the initial step you should take is to change your password — and refrain from utilizing identical or similar login credentials across various websites. Should you find it challenging to remember all your distinct passwords, contemplate utilizing a password manager or passkey. Additionally, implement multifactor authentication, which can provide an extra layer of verification via your phone, email, or USB authenticator key.
How can I safeguard my passwords?
What actions can you take?
Several effective strategies to secure your personal information online include updating outdated passwords, enhancing your password security with password managers, and establishing multi-factor authentication when accessing your computer. It is advisable to create a robust, complex password that incorporates a combination of numbers and symbols, and utilize PasswordMonster’s Password Strength Meter to assess its effectiveness.
