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FILE – This June 19, 2017 file photo shows a person working on a laptop in North Andover, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)Researchers at the cybersecurity outlet Cybernews have discovered that billions of login credentials have been leaked and compiled into datasets online, providing criminals with “unprecedented access” to consumer accounts.
A recent report by Cybernews reveals that its researchers have uncovered 30 exposed datasets containing a vast amount of login information, totaling 16 billion compromised credentials. This includes user passwords for popular platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Apple.
The sheer volume of compromised credentials, roughly double the global population, suggests that many consumers may have had multiple account credentials leaked. However, Cybernews notes that duplicates are likely present in the data, making it impossible to determine the exact number of affected individuals or accounts.
The leaked login information does not appear to originate from a single source, such as a breach targeting a specific company. Instead, it seems that the data was stolen through multiple events over time and then compiled and briefly exposed publicly, at which point Cybernews researchers discovered it.
Infostealers, a type of malicious software that breaches devices or systems to steal sensitive information, are likely the culprits behind the leak.
Many questions remain regarding the leaked credentials, including who currently possesses them. As data breaches become increasingly common, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining good “cyber hygiene” practices.
If you’re concerned about your account data potentially being exposed in a recent breach, consider changing your password and avoiding the use of similar login credentials across multiple sites. Password managers or passkeys can help with memorization, and multifactor authentication can provide an additional layer of verification through your phone, email, or USB authenticator key.
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