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| Massive Data Breach: 16 Billion Passwords from Apple, Google, Telegram, and GitHub Leaked Online. |
A shocking cybersecurity incident has just been uncovered. According to reports by Cybernews, Keeper Security, and Forbes, a massive database containing 16 billion login credentials—including emails and passwords from platforms like Apple, Google, Telegram, and GitHub—has been leaked online.
This leak is being called the largest in history, and it's not just old data resurfacing. The information is fresh and highly dangerous, providing the perfect gateway for phishing attacks and account takeovers.
Where Did the Data Come From?
Cybersecurity researchers have been tracking data leaks throughout the year and found 30 newly compiled databases online. Each of them contains millions—even billions—of email and password combinations.
These credentials were mostly obtained through:
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Malware known as info-stealers
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Poorly secured or misconfigured cloud storage
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Publicly accessible databases
The data isn't just randomly dumped; it's well-structured. Each entry includes the website address, username or email, and the corresponding password, making it easy for cybercriminals to exploit.
Not Always Hackers’ Fault
Interestingly, not all of these leaks were caused by cyberattacks. In some cases, data became publicly accessible due to user mistakes or misconfigured cloud services. This means even basic user negligence can lead to massive exposure.
How to Protect Yourself
Experts strongly recommend the following steps to help keep your accounts safe:
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Change your passwords regularly — and don’t reuse the same password across multiple accounts.
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Use a password manager — these tools can generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
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Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) — this adds an essential extra layer of protection.
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Switch to passkeys wherever supported — services like Apple and Google are now offering this more secure alternative.
Need help creating a strong password? Try the Cybernews Password Generator — it's free and customizable.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
With billions of credentials exposed, no one is completely safe—not even casual internet users. Taking a few minutes to improve your digital hygiene now can save you from serious trouble later.
Read more: How to Protect Your Personal Data Online
