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.
The alarming news has raised concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive information, and experts are warning users to take immediate action to protect their online identities. The leaked file, which contains the credentials, is not even password-protected, making it vulnerable to exploitation by cybercriminals.
As per the report, the massive data breach is believed to have occurred due to a vulnerability in the way some popular websites and apps handle password storage. Fowler, the cybersecurity researcher who discovered the breach, has been warning about the issue for months, but it appears that many organizations have yet to take necessary steps to secure their systems.
The leaked credentials are said to be a compilation of usernames and passwords that have been stored in plaintext, or unencrypted, format. This means that even if a user has changed their password since the breach occurred, their old password may still be compromised.
The scale of the breach is staggering, with over 18.4 crore accounts affected. This is a significant increase from previous data breaches, which typically affected millions of users. The fact that so many accounts have been compromised in a single breach highlights the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures across the board.
The affected platforms and services include:
- Facebook: The social media giant has been hit hard, with millions of user accounts compromised.
- Instagram: As a subsidiary of Facebook, Instagram users are also affected by the breach.
- Apple: The tech giant’s users have had their account credentials compromised, including those who use Apple’s services like iCloud and Apple ID.
- Microsoft: The software giant’s users have also been affected, including those who use Microsoft’s services like Outlook and Xbox.
- Google: The search engine giant’s users have had their account credentials compromised, including those who use Google’s services like Gmail and YouTube.
- Snapchat: The popular social media platform has also been affected by the breach.
- Government portals: Many government-issued credentials have been leaked, including those from the US and other countries.
- Bank and financial sites: Users of various bank and financial institutions have had their account credentials compromised, including those who use online banking services.
The consequences of such a massive breach are far-reaching, and users are advised to take immediate action to protect their online identities. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Change your passwords: Immediately change your passwords for all affected accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all affected accounts. This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it more difficult for hackers to gain access.
- Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity. Check your account statements and transaction history regularly to detect any unauthorized activity.
- Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique, strong passwords for all your accounts.
- Stay informed: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices to stay safe online.
The news of this massive data breach serves as a wake-up call for organizations and individuals alike. It highlights the need for improved cybersecurity measures and the importance of protecting sensitive information.
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