Big news in cybersecurity: a massive leak has exposed 48 million Gmail accounts. A respected researcher discovered a database with over 149 million login details, including usernames and passwords from various services. The database was unprotected and amounted to an astounding 96 GB of data.
Jeremiah Fowler, who found the leak, explained it isn’t from a fresh breach. Instead, it’s likely a mix of data from previous breaches and malware logs. This means the info doesn’t come directly from Gmail itself but has been gathered over time from various hacks.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the exposed accounts:
- Gmail: 48 million
- Facebook: 17 million
- Instagram: 6.5 million
- Yahoo: 4 million
- Netflix: 3.4 million
- Outlook: 1.5 million
Fowler noted how vital this information is for cybercriminals. Matt Conlon, CEO of Cytidel, remarked that the rise of “info stealers” has made breaches like this all too common. Boris Cipot, a senior security engineer, highlighted concerns about the potential damage, emphasizing that the database also contained sensitive information from government and banking sites.
Consumer advocates warn that many people might not realize their data is out in the wild. Chris Hauk from Pixel Privacy suggested checking sites like HaveIBeenPwned to see if your details were compromised. He also recommended using password managers, which can alert you if your passwords are reused or leaked.
Google is aware of the breach and has systems in place to secure accounts. They stated they automatically reset passwords when exposed credentials are found. This is a reminder to everyone: use unique passwords, and consider using Google’s passkey function for extra protection.
As we continue to navigate a digital world, understanding data breaches and taking steps to protect our information is crucial. Security experts warn that awareness and proactive measures are the keys to staying safe online.
For more resources, check the report on ExpressVPN’s blog for further insights into this massive leak.
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