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NEW YORK, June 21, 2025
Billions of login credentials compromised
A massive leak puts countless accounts at risk.
- Over 16 billion login credentials leaked.
- Impossible to know exactly who was affected.
- Experts recommend changing passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication.
Over 16 billion login credentials have been leaked, making this one of the largest data breaches on record, and your password may be compromised consequently of this massive data breach.
Researchers announced this week that the exposed datasets contain information that “opens the doors to pretty much any online service imaginable,from Apple,Facebook,and Google,to GitHub,Telegram,and various government services.”
“This is not just a leak-it’s a blueprint for mass exploitation,” researchers said. “with over 16 billion login records exposed, cybercriminals now have unprecedented access to personal credentials that can be used for account takeover, identity theft, and highly targeted phishing.”
Am I affected by the data breach?
Unfortunately, researchers state that “it’s impossible to tell how many people or accounts were actually exposed.”
Some reports may be misleading, researchers caution, regarding Facebook, Google, and Apple accounts being leaked.One of the researchers,Bob Diachenko,stated that “there was no centralized data breach at any of these companies.” Though, he added that some leaked credentials included login URLs to those sites, possibly granting account access.
It’s hard to pinpoint whose passwords were stolen since the origins of most leaked datasets haven’t been verified.
Shoudl I change my password promptly?
Cybersecurity experts advise changing passwords as a precaution, and regularly thereafter to protect against future leaks.
How often should you change your passwords? This is a point of debate among cybersecurity experts. Some suggest changing them every few months, while others advise against it unless you suspect a breach.
What makes a password ‘strong’?
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure security Agency offers these tips for creating stronger passwords:
- Use at least 16 characters.
- Create random strings of mixed-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Use unique passwords for each account.
Some technology experts suggest using passkeys for enhanced security.
Enabling multi-factor authentication makes logging into your account more secure. also, closely monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity and contact customer support if you notice anything unusual.
The Role of Password Managers in a Cybersecurity Landscape
The sheer scale of the latest data breach, with its exposure of billions login credentials, underscores a critical need for robust password security practices.
While the initial focus is often on immediate steps like password changes and enabling multi-factor authentication, an essential long-term solution is the adoption of password managers.
Password managers are specifically designed to encrypt and store all of your passwords securely. Password managers are a critical tool for navigating today’s risks. They will also provide strong password options and manage a unique set of credentials for all an individuals accounts.
The Benefits of Using a Password
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