Billions Of Login Credentials Leaked Online: Cybernews

Researchers at cybersecurity outlet Cybernews report that billions of login credentials have been leaked and compiled into online datasets, giving criminals “unprecedented access” to accounts used daily by consumers, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The data were briefly exposed publicly, which is when Cybernews researchers reportedly discovered it.

In a report published this week, Cybernews researchers said they discovered 30 exposed datasets containing a total of 16 billion compromised credentials.

These include user passwords for popular platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Apple. Sixteen billion is roughly double the current global population, suggesting many users had credentials for multiple accounts leaked.

Cybernews noted that there are almost certainly duplicates in the data, making it “impossible to tell how many people or accounts were actually exposed.” The leaked login data did not come from a single breach but appear to have been compiled from multiple incidents over time.

The data were briefly exposed publicly, which is when Cybernews researchers reportedly discovered it.

Forbes reported that Google has notified its users to change their passwords, and FBI officials have urged Americans to avoid clicking on suspicious SMS links. Various information-stealing malware programs are the most likely culprits, Cybernews added.