16 Billion Passwords from Apple, Facebook, Google & More Exposed—Secure Your Accounts Today!

Update: June 20, 2025 — This article has been updated with tips on transitioning to passkey technology for Apple, Facebook, and Google users, as well as expert insights on the significant 16 billion credential leak.

If you were startled by my report on the 184 million compromised login credentials in May, brace yourself. Researchers have revealed a staggering 16 billion credentials exposed in what is now the largest data breach ever. This alarming situation stems from multiple infostealers, and it’s vital to understand the implications and what you can do to protect yourself.

Password leaks are serious. They can lead to identity theft and other cyber crimes. Google urges users to switch from passwords to more secure passkeys to enhance online security. The FBI also advises against clicking on suspicious links in messages. Unfortunately, stolen passwords are readily available on the dark web, raising concerns for everyone.

According to Cybernews’ Vilius Petkauskas, “30 exposed datasets with millions to over 3.5 billion records” have surfaced, confirming that we are indeed dealing with 16 billion compromised records. This represents one of the largest password leaks ever recorded.

Lawrence Pingree from Dispersive points out that these leaked databases are valuable to both hackers and intelligence agencies. They can be repackaged and sold, making them a target for cybercriminals. Each account compromised can lead to more data breaches if passwords are reused across different platforms. This makes the situation particularly dangerous.

These datasets include login credentials for social media, popular applications, and even government services, significantly escalating the risk of phishing attacks and account takeovers. What’s most alarming is that this information includes many new records that hadn’t been leaked previously.

Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security, warned that the ease with which sensitive data can be exposed online should serve as a wake-up call to everyone. Misconfigured cloud environments could also harbor more exposed credentials. It’s crucial for both individuals and organizations to invest in stronger password management tools, including dark web monitoring. This helps users be alerted if their passwords appear online, allowing for timely updates.

Cybersecurity expert Evan Dornbush reminds us that no matter how complex passwords are, they become useless if a database is compromised. This reinforces the importance of good password practices, such as not reusing passwords across accounts.

Experts agree that responding to these breaches requires a collective effort. Javvad Malik from KnowBe4 emphasizes that organizations must protect users while individuals should remain vigilant about their online security. Choosing strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication are essential steps.

Switching to passkeys is highly recommended, especially for those who have reused passwords. Rew Islam, a security expert at Dashlane, notes that major platforms like Facebook are now supporting passkeys, signaling a shift in the industry. Passkeys offer a more secure, password-free way to authenticate, which experts expect will become mainstream among internet users within the next three years.

As we navigate this evolving digital landscape, adapting to these security measures isn’t just wise; it’s necessary. The shift to passkeys could be the key to reducing the risk of cyberattacks in the future.

For further reading on how to switch your passwords to passkeys, check out these links: Facebook Passkeys, Apple Passkeys, and Google Passkeys.

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