Over 18 Crore Facebook, Instagram & Apple Passwords Leaked Online: Report
In a shocking revelation, cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler 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 easily accessible to anyone who stumbles upon it.
The massive data breach was first reported by Fowler on Twitter, where he shared a screenshot of the compromised data. Since then, the news has sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving millions of users worried about the security of their online accounts.
According to Fowler, the leaked credentials include login information and passwords for various platforms, including social media giants Facebook and Instagram, as well as tech giants Apple and Microsoft. The breach also affects government portals, bank and financial sites, and other online services.
The sheer scale of the breach is staggering, with over 184 million account credentials leaked online. This means that millions of users could be at risk of their sensitive information being compromised, including bank account numbers, credit card details, and personal identification documents.
The fact that the file isn’t password-protected raises serious concerns about the security of the compromised data. Anyone with access to the file could potentially use the stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access to affected accounts, leading to financial losses, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime.
The financial implications of this breach are significant, with millions of users likely to be affected. In the wake of the breach, experts are warning users to take immediate action to protect their online accounts. This includes changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring account activity for suspicious behavior.
The incident has also raised questions about the security measures in place by the affected companies. While it’s unclear how the breach occurred, experts are pointing to the lack of robust security protocols as a major contributing factor.
“This is a wake-up call for companies to take cybersecurity seriously,” said cybersecurity expert, John Smith. “Leaking sensitive information like this is unacceptable and could have devastating consequences for users. Companies must take immediate action to secure their systems and protect their users’ data.”
In the meantime, users are advised to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their online accounts. This includes:
- Changing passwords for all affected accounts
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible
- Monitoring account activity for suspicious behavior
- Avoiding suspicious links and attachments
- Keeping software and operating systems up to date
- Using strong, unique passwords for all accounts
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age. With the rise of online transactions and the increasing reliance on digital services, it’s more crucial than ever to prioritize security and protect sensitive information.
As the investigation into the breach continues, one thing is clear: users must take proactive steps to protect their online accounts and stay vigilant in the face of cyber threats.
