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, 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 leaked credentials isn’t even password-protected, making it easily accessible to anyone who stumbles upon it.
The massive data breach is believed to have occurred due to the use of default or weak passwords by users, which were then exploited by hackers. The leaked credentials are said to include a mix of usernames, passwords, and email addresses, providing a treasure trove of information for cybercriminals.
According to Fowler, the leaked credentials are from a wide range of platforms, including:
- Government portals
- Bank and financial sites
- Snapchat
- Microsoft
- Apple
The sheer scale of the data breach is staggering, with over 184 million account credentials leaked online. This is a significant increase from previous data breaches, which often affected tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of accounts.
The implications of this data breach are far-reaching and have significant consequences for users. With access to so many account credentials, hackers can use this information to launch targeted attacks, steal sensitive information, and even take control of user accounts.
To make matters worse, many users may not even realize that their account credentials have been compromised. This is because many users reuse their passwords across multiple platforms, making it easier for hackers to access their accounts.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from this massive data breach?
Take Immediate Action to Secure Your Accounts
- Change your passwords: Immediately change your passwords for all accounts that may have been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts that offer it. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a verification code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password.
- Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your accounts and monitor for any suspicious activity.
- Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for each of your accounts.
- Be cautious with links and attachments: Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources, as they may be phishing attempts.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Future Data Breaches?
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of data breaches, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of future breaches:
- Use strong, unique passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms.
- Implement two-factor authentication: Implement 2FA for all accounts that offer it to add an extra layer of security.
- Regularly update software and plugins: Regularly update software and plugins to ensure you have the latest security patches.
- Use a reputable antivirus software: Use a reputable antivirus software to protect your device from malware and other online threats.
- Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, as it may not be secure.
Conclusion
The massive data breach involving over 18.4 crore account credentials is a sobering reminder of the importance of online security. With so many account credentials leaked online, it’s essential to take immediate action to secure your accounts and protect yourself from potential threats.
By following the steps outlined above and taking proactive measures to secure your online presence, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to this massive data breach and other online threats.
Source:
