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, as well as popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Microsoft, Apple, and Google.
The alarming news was shared by Jeremiah Fowler, a cybersecurity researcher, who claimed that the leaked credentials are not only from individual users but also from institutions and organizations. The magnitude of the breach is staggering, with over 184 million account credentials being compromised.
The leak is particularly concerning due to the sheer scale of the breach and the fact that the file containing the credentials is not even password-protected. This means that anyone with access to the file can easily gain unauthorized access to the compromised accounts.
The leaked credentials include login information, passwords, and other sensitive data, which could be used to carry out malicious activities such as identity theft, financial fraud, and more. The breach has raised serious concerns about the security of online accounts and the potential consequences of such a massive data leak.
The leaked file, which is over 2.6 GB in size, contains a vast amount of sensitive data, including:
- Login credentials for government portals
- Bank and financial institution accounts
- Social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat
- Email accounts from Microsoft, Apple, and Google
- Passwords and other sensitive data
The origin of the leak is still unclear, but cybersecurity experts have warned that it is essential to take immediate action to protect online accounts and prevent unauthorized access.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Online Accounts
In light of this massive data breach, it is crucial to take steps to protect your online accounts and prevent unauthorized access. Here are some tips to help you do so:
- Change Your Passwords: Immediately change your passwords for all compromised accounts, including social media, email, and financial institution accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for all accounts that offer this feature. This will add an extra layer of security to your accounts and make it more difficult for hackers to gain access.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and report any unusual behavior to the relevant authorities.
- Use Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
- Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Ensure that your operating system, browser, and other software are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Conclusion
The recent leak of over 18.4 crore account credentials is a stark reminder of the importance of online security and the need to take proactive measures to protect our digital identities. With the magnitude of the breach being so significant, it is essential to take immediate action to protect our online accounts and prevent unauthorized access.
As the news of the leak continues to spread, it is crucial for individuals and institutions to take the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with this breach. By following the tips outlined above, you can help protect your online accounts and prevent unauthorized access.
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