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, among others.
The alarming news has sent shockwaves across the globe, raising concerns about the security of online accounts and the potential for widespread cyber attacks. The fact that the file containing the credentials is not even password-protected has added to the gravity of the situation.
According to reports, the massive data breach is believed to have occurred due to a vulnerability in a third-party software used by some of the affected companies. The vulnerability, which has since been patched, allowed hackers to gain unauthorized access to the accounts and extract sensitive information.
The leaked credentials include login information, passwords, and other sensitive details, which can be used to gain access to the affected accounts. This raises concerns about the potential for identity theft, financial fraud, and other cyber crimes.
The scale of the breach is staggering, with over 18.4 crore accounts affected. This is a massive number, and it’s likely that millions of people are at risk of having their sensitive information compromised.
The breach is not limited to any one company or platform. A wide range of companies, including tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, as well as social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, have been affected.
The leak is believed to have occurred due to a vulnerability in a third-party software used by some of the affected companies. The vulnerability, which has since been patched, allowed hackers to gain unauthorized access to the accounts and extract sensitive information.
The affected companies have been notified, and they are working to secure their systems and protect their users’ data. However, the fact that the leak has occurred and the sensitive information has been compromised raises serious concerns about the security of online accounts.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
In the wake of this massive data breach, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your online accounts. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Change Your Passwords: Immediately change your passwords for all affected accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan, in addition to your password.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your accounts and monitor for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unusual behavior, report it to the relevant authorities immediately.
- Use a Password Manager: A password manager can help you generate and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This can help you avoid using easily guessable information and reduce the risk of your accounts being compromised.
- Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks can be compromised, which means that hackers may be able to intercept your sensitive information. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks whenever possible, and instead use secure, password-protected networks.
Conclusion
The massive data breach affecting over 18.4 crore accounts is a stark reminder of the importance of online security. It’s crucial that we take steps to protect our online accounts and sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
By following the tips outlined above, you can help protect yourself from the fallout of this massive data breach. Remember to change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, monitor your accounts, use a password manager, and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks.
The affected companies have been notified, and they are working to secure their systems and protect their users’ data. However, it’s up to each of us to take responsibility for our online security and protect our sensitive information from being compromised.
