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 various government portals, bank and financial sites, as well as popular social media platforms like 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. This massive data breach has sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving millions of users worried about the security of their online accounts.
According to Fowler, the leaked credentials were discovered on a publicly accessible server, and it’s unclear how long the file has been available online. In his report, Fowler said that the file contains a staggering 18,404,227,111 credentials, including email addresses and passwords.
The leaked credentials have been uploaded to a file-sharing website, and it’s not clear whether the breach was the result of a single incident or multiple data breaches. Fowler believes that the breach could be the result of a combination of data breaches and hacking incidents.
The leaked credentials are a treasure trove for cybercriminals, who can use them to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, steal sensitive information, and engage in fraudulent activities. This is a significant concern, especially considering that many users reuse passwords across multiple platforms, making it easy for hackers to gain access to their accounts.
The affected platforms and services include:
- Facebook: With over 2.7 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. The leaked credentials could potentially compromise the security of millions of Facebook users.
- Instagram: Instagram, owned by Facebook, is another popular social media platform that has been compromised. With over 1 billion active users, the leaked credentials could put millions of Instagram users at risk.
- Apple: Apple is one of the most popular technology companies in the world, and its devices and services are used by millions of people around the globe. The leaked credentials could potentially compromise the security of Apple users.
- Microsoft: Microsoft is another technology giant that has been affected by the breach. The company’s services, including Outlook and Office, are used by millions of people around the world.
- Google: Google is a popular search engine and technology company that has been affected by the breach. The leaked credentials could potentially compromise the security of Google users.
- Snapchat: Snapchat is a popular social media platform that has been compromised. The leaked credentials could potentially put millions of Snapchat users at risk.
- Government portals: Government portals and websites, including those of banks and financial institutions, have also been compromised. This could have serious consequences, including identity theft and financial fraud.
What to Do?
If you’re concerned about the security of your online accounts, there are a few steps you can take:
- Change your passwords: Immediately change your passwords for all affected platforms and services.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all affected platforms and services. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or email address in addition to your password.
- Monitor your accounts: Monitor your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized activity, report it to the platform or service immediately.
- Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique, strong passwords for all your accounts.
Conclusion
The massive data breach, which has resulted in the leak of over 18.4 crore account credentials, is a wake-up call for users and platform owners alike. It’s essential for users to take steps to secure their online accounts and for platform owners to implement robust security measures to prevent such breaches in the future.
In the meantime, users are advised to change their passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor their accounts regularly for any suspicious activity.
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