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 are said to belong to accounts on government portals, bank and financial sites, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Microsoft, Apple, and Google.
According to a report, the file containing the credentials is not even password-protected, making it easily accessible to anyone who can find it. This massive data breach has raised serious concerns about the security of online accounts and the potential for identity theft and financial fraud.
The researcher, Jeremiah Fowler, made the discovery and shared the information on social media. Fowler, who has been tracking the dark web for several years, said that the leaked credentials were found on a popular hacking forum.
The leaked credentials include:
- 2.5 crore Apple account credentials
- 1.9 crore Facebook account credentials
- 1.5 crore Instagram account credentials
- 1 crore Microsoft account credentials
- 800 million Google account credentials
- 500 million Snapchat account credentials
- 400 million bank and financial account credentials
- 200 million government portal account credentials
The sheer scale of the breach is staggering, and it’s alarming to think that so many account credentials are now in the hands of unknown individuals. The fact that the file is not password-protected is a major concern, as it means that anyone who can find the file can access the leaked credentials.
The potential consequences of this breach are severe. With so many account credentials compromised, there is a significant risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and other types of cybercrime. It’s also possible that the leaked credentials could be used to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as personal data, financial information, and more.
The fact that the leaked credentials belong to a wide range of accounts, including government portals, bank and financial sites, and social media platforms, makes it a particularly serious breach. It’s a wake-up call for users to take their online security more seriously and to be vigilant about protecting their account credentials.
What can users do to protect themselves?
- Change your passwords: If you have an account that has been compromised, change your password immediately. Use a strong and unique password for each account.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your account activity and login history to detect any suspicious activity.
- Use a password manager: A password manager can help you generate and store unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts.
- Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access sensitive information, as it may not be secure.
What can be done to prevent such breaches in the future?
- Implement stricter security measures: Companies should implement stricter security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption, to protect user data.
- Regularly update software and systems: Companies should regularly update their software and systems to patch vulnerabilities and prevent hackers from exploiting them.
- Educate users: Companies should educate users about the importance of online security and provide them with the tools and resources they need to protect themselves.
- Improve incident response: Companies should have a plan in place for responding to data breaches and should notify users promptly in the event of a breach.
The massive data breach is a stark reminder of the importance of online security and the need for users to take their security seriously. By taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and by holding companies accountable for their security practices, we can reduce the risk of such breaches in the future.
