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 government portals, bank and financial sites, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Microsoft, Apple, and Google. The worrying part is that the file containing the credentials is not even password-protected, making it vulnerable to misuse.
The massive data breach has raised concerns about the security and privacy of online users, especially those who have used the same password across multiple platforms. Cybersecurity experts have warned that using the same password across multiple platforms is a recipe for disaster, as a single hack can compromise multiple accounts.
According to reports, the leaked credentials include login information and passwords of users from various countries, including the United States, India, China, and the United Kingdom. The file containing the credentials is estimated to be around 3.3 GB in size and contains over 18.4 crore entries.
The leaked credentials include a mix of usernames, passwords, and email addresses. The passwords are said to be in plain text, making it easy for hackers to access the accounts using the leaked credentials. The leaked data also includes account information from popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The cybersecurity researcher who discovered the breach has warned that the leaked credentials are likely to be used by hackers to access the affected accounts and carry out malicious activities. He has also advised users to change their passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts.
The massive data breach is a stark reminder of the importance of online security and the need for users to take steps to protect their personal data. With the increasing number of online transactions and data breaches, it is essential for users to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their online presence.
How to Protect Your Online Presence
In the wake of the massive data breach, it is essential for users to take immediate action to protect their online presence. Here are some steps that users can take to protect their accounts:
- Change Your Passwords: Change your passwords for all accounts, including social media platforms, email accounts, and financial institutions.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for all accounts to add an extra layer of security.
- Use Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity and report any unusual activity to the relevant authorities.
- Use a Password Manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
Conclusion
The massive data breach involving over 18.4 crore Facebook, Instagram, and Apple passwords is a stark reminder of the importance of online security and the need for users to take proactive measures to protect their personal data. With the increasing number of online transactions and data breaches, it is essential for users to stay vigilant and take immediate action to protect their online presence.
As the cybersecurity researcher who discovered the breach has warned, the leaked credentials are likely to be used by hackers to access the affected accounts and carry out malicious activities. Therefore, it is essential for users to change their passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts.
By taking immediate action to protect their online presence, users can minimize the risk of account compromise and prevent hackers from accessing their personal data.
