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, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Microsoft, Apple, and Google. The alarming part is that the file containing the credentials isn’t even password-protected.
Jeremiah Fowler, a cybersecurity researcher, made the announcement, warning users to take immediate action to secure their accounts. The massive data breach is believed to have occurred due to a vulnerability in the way these companies store and manage user passwords.
The leaked credentials include:
- Government portals
- Bank and financial sites
- Snapchat
- Microsoft
- Apple
The sheer scale of the breach is staggering, with over 18.4 crore accounts compromised. This is a significant concern, as it means that millions of users are at risk of having their personal and financial information compromised.
The leaked file, which is just 2.5 GB in size, contains a list of usernames and passwords in plain text. This means that anyone who gains access to the file can easily use the credentials to log in to the affected accounts.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that the consequences of such a massive data breach can be severe. Hackers can use the stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as financial data, personal identifiable information, and even confidential business data.
To make matters worse, the fact that the file is not password-protected means that anyone can access it, making it a serious concern for all users who have accounts on the affected platforms.
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With the rise of online transactions, social media, and cloud computing, the risk of data breaches is higher than ever. It’s essential for users to take steps to protect their online identities and sensitive information.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from this massive data breach?
Take Immediate Action
- Change your passwords: Immediately change your passwords for all affected accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
- Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your accounts and monitor for any suspicious activity. Report any unusual activity to the relevant authorities.
- Use a VPN: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing public Wi-Fi networks. This adds an extra layer of security and encrypts your online activities.
- Keep software up-to-date: Ensure that your operating system, browser, and other software are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
What Can You Do to Prevent Data Breaches?
- Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA for all accounts to add an extra layer of security.
- Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi networks.
- Keep software up-to-date: Ensure that your operating system, browser, and other software are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your accounts and monitor for any suspicious activity.
Conclusion
The recent data breach, which has resulted in the leak of over 18.4 crore account credentials, is a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity. It’s essential for users to take immediate action to secure their accounts and protect their sensitive information. By following the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of your accounts being compromised.
Remember, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. By taking proactive steps to protect our online identities and sensitive information, we can all play a role in preventing data breaches and keeping our online activities secure.
