Over 18 Crore Facebook, Instagram & Apple Passwords Leaked Online: Report
In a shocking revelation, a cybersecurity researcher has disclosed that over 18.4 crore account credentials, including login information and passwords, have been leaked online. The leaked credentials belong to accounts on government portals, bank and financial sites, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Microsoft, Apple, and Google. What’s even more alarming is that the file containing the credentials isn’t even password-protected, making it accessible to anyone who comes across it.
According to a report by NDTV Profit, the researcher, Jeremiah Fowler, who made the discovery, warned that the leaked credentials could be used by hackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and commit identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.
The massive data breach is believed to be one of the largest in recent years, with the number of compromised accounts exceeding 18.4 crore. The leaked credentials include a mix of weak and strong passwords, making it a treasure trove for hackers. Fowler has urged users to change their passwords immediately to prevent any potential breaches.
The leaked credentials are believed to have been stolen through a combination of phishing attacks, malware infections, and breaches of online services. Hackers often use phishing emails and messages to trick users into revealing their login credentials, which are then used to access their accounts and steal sensitive information.
The report also highlights the importance of using strong and unique passwords for each account. Fowler emphasized that using the same password across multiple accounts can increase the risk of a breach, as hackers can use a single compromised password to gain access to multiple accounts.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community, with experts warning that the leaked credentials could be used to compromise a wide range of online services. The affected platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Apple, Microsoft, and Google, have not commented on the matter, but it is likely that they are working to contain the breach and notify affected users.
The report highlights the need for users to be vigilant about their online security and to take proactive measures to protect their accounts. Fowler has advised users to:
- Change their passwords immediately
- Use strong and unique passwords for each account
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible
- Monitor their accounts regularly for suspicious activity
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks to access sensitive information
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online security and the need for users to take proactive measures to protect their accounts. With the number of compromised accounts exceeding 18.4 crore, it is essential that users take immediate action to change their passwords and secure their online presence.
In conclusion, the massive data breach is a wake-up call for users to be more vigilant about their online security. It is essential that users take proactive measures to protect their accounts and sensitive information. The affected platforms must also take immediate action to contain the breach, notify affected users, and improve their security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
