Major Online Security Breach Reported
Cybersecurity experts have discovered an enormous data breach that involves top tech companies. The breach is said to involve 16 billion leaked passwords. Impacted companies include Google, Apple, Facebook, GitHub, Telegram, and some government websites.
Description of the Breach
- The exposed data comprises login credentials for numerous popular platforms.
- Cybercriminals obtained usernames and passwords for services of tech companies and social media platforms.
- The size of the leak makes it one of the largest on record.
Previous vs Present Estimates
- Earlier, experts had estimated that around 184 million users were impacted.
- New findings indicate the number has now reached 16 billion credentials.
Structure of Breach and Datasets
- Researchers discovered 30 individual datasets related to this breach.
- Each dataset has reportedly 3.5 billion records.
- These databases contain logged-in accounts since as early as 2025, and VPNs, social networks, and developer tools data.
Businesses Implore Users to Tighten Security
- Google is urging users to abandon older sign-in methods.
- The company suggests a shift to passkeys and social signing to improve security.
- Google is contacting users with suggestions to upgrade through email notifications.
What Are Passkeys?
- Passkeys employ biometric verification such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
- They do away with the use of older passwords.
- Google emphasizes passkeys as being safe from phishing attacks.
- Users can log into accounts with secure device-based unlock processes.
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