Saturday, June 21, 2025

16B Passwords Exposed in Record-Breaking Data Breach


Cybersecurity researchers at Cybernews have uncovered 30 exposed datasets containing a staggering 16 billion leaked login credentials, granting criminals “unprecedented access” to everyday consumer accounts, according to the Associated Press

The compromised data includes passwords for popular platforms like Google, Facebook, and Apple. With 16 billion credentials—roughly double Earth’s population—many users likely had multiple accounts exposed, though duplicates make it unclear exactly how many individuals or accounts are affected.

The data, compiled from multiple breaches over time rather than a single incident, was briefly exposed publicly before Cybernews detected it. Infostealers, a type of malware that extracts sensitive information from victims’ devices, are the likely source. Questions remain about who currently possesses the credentials.

As data breaches grow increasingly common, experts emphasize “cyber hygiene.” To protect yourself, change passwords immediately, avoid reusing credentials across sites, and consider using a password manager or passkey. Enabling multifactor authentication—via phone, email, or USB key—adds an extra layer of security.

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