The cyber world was once again shocked by the largest data leak in history, when security researchers confirmed that more than 16 billion login information including passwords from various major services such as Apple, Google, Facebook, GitHub, Telegram and government sites were exposed online on June 18.
According to a report by Europe-based Cybernews, this exposure is not the result of an old leak that was recycled.
Instead, it is new data obtained through various malware attacks by information stealers (infostealers) since the beginning of the year.
Most worryingly, almost all of this data has never been reported leaked before, making it a very risky source for exploitation.
Researchers described the exposure as a “master plan for large-scale exploitation” and warned that the leaked data could be used to launch phishing attacks and full-scale account takeovers.
Keeper Security CEO Darren Guccione said the incident is a clear warning that personal information is vulnerable, especially if cloud security systems are not updated.
Meanwhile, security expert from KnowBe4, Javvad Malik, urged users not to take this warning lightly and reminded of several important steps that should be taken immediately:
Change all passwords, especially those that are used repeatedly
Use a professional password manager
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) • Monitor data exposure through dark web monitoring systems
Use a passkey if the service supports it
Experts describe this leak as not just a technical issue, but a direct threat to the personal security and digital banking of today's society.
Therefore, the public is urged not to be complacent and take immediate action before their accounts become the next target.
