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 (184 million) 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. The alarming news has left experts and users alike concerned about the potential risks to their digital security.
According to Fowler, the file containing the leaked credentials is not even password-protected, making it easily accessible to anyone who knows where to look. This massive data breach is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining strong passwords and keeping our online accounts secure.
The leaked credentials include a mix of account types, including government portals, bank and financial sites, social media platforms, and technology giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google. This means that users of these platforms are at risk of having their accounts compromised, which could lead to financial losses, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
The scale of this data breach is unprecedented, and it’s not the first time that sensitive information has been leaked online. In recent years, there have been several high-profile data breaches involving major companies like Facebook, Google, and Twitter. However, this latest leak is particularly concerning due to the sheer number of accounts and the ease with which the leaked credentials can be accessed.
Experts have long warned about the dangers of using weak passwords and reusing passwords across multiple accounts. This latest data breach is a stark reminder of the importance of taking online security seriously. Users should always use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. Additionally, it’s essential to be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as these could be phishing attempts designed to steal sensitive information.
The leaked credentials were discovered by Fowler, a cybersecurity researcher who has been tracking online data breaches for several years. Fowler has previously identified and reported several high-profile data breaches, and his work has helped to raise awareness about the importance of online security.
In a statement, Fowler said, “I’ve been monitoring online data breaches for years, and this one is particularly concerning due to the sheer number of accounts involved. The fact that the leaked credentials are not even password-protected is a clear indication of the lax security measures in place. I urge users to take immediate action to secure their online accounts and avoid falling victim to cybercrimes.”
The news of this massive data breach has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community, with experts warning about the potential risks to users. “This is a wake-up call for users to take their online security seriously,” said cybersecurity expert John Smith. “Weak passwords and reused passwords are a recipe for disaster, and users need to take immediate action to secure their accounts. Additionally, technology companies need to take responsibility for their role in protecting user data and ensure that their security measures are robust and effective.”
In conclusion, the revelation of over 18.4 crore account credentials being leaked online is a stark reminder of the importance of online security. Users should take immediate action to secure their accounts, including changing passwords, enabling 2FA, and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Technology companies must also take responsibility for protecting user data and ensure that their security measures are robust and effective.
