Over 16 billion account login credentials have been exposed online. As one of the biggest data leaks in history, it affects close to everyone. Quite likely, you and me.
Hackers can now easily access many of your accounts. Your money, photos, conversations, location, and habits all potentially exposed. They can read your private messages and send scam messages pretending to be you. They could muck up your latest insta post. Cybercriminals can orchestrate phishing campaigns, account takeovers, credential stuffing, identity theft, and more.
What happened?
Cybersecurity researchers discovered 30 different online databases packed with login details, usernames and passwords for everything from email and social media accounts to cloud services and business platforms. Some of the data is likely old or duplicated, but with a breech this big, even a tiny success for hackers could still hurt millions of people.
The credentials weren’t stolen in one big hack. Instead, hackers used viruses called infostealers to collect passwords from people’s phones and computers over time. They then dumped all those stolen passwords into one place.
Yikes. It’s time to take action.
3 Ways to Protect Yourself From the Data Breach
1. Change all passwords - especially for email, banking, social media, and critical accounts. Be sure to use unique, strong passwords for each site. Avoid reuse completely.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds a second layer of security, like a code sent to your phone. Even if someone has your password, they can’t get in without this second step.
3. Check your Devices for Malware, especially if you’ve noticed things acting strangely. Infostealer viruses often run quietly in the background.
Just a few simple steps can protect you, your data and your identity.
Feeling anxious? Me, too. How about a little comedic relief. Michael McIntyre riffing on why you should probably change your passwords is hilarious.
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Down the Rabbit Hole
Curious? Check out my references:
- 16 billion passwords exposed in record-breaking data breach: what does it mean for you?. Vilius Petkauskas, CYBERNEWS June 26, 2025
Disclaimer: The above is solely intended for informational purposes and in no way constitutes legal advice or specific recommendations.