Another Day, Another Data Breach — But This One’s Huge
Sixteen billion login credentials just leaked. Here’s what to do.
Another morning, another data breach. But this one’s pretty big.
Sixteen billion login credentials have been exposed in one of the largest data breaches ever recorded.
Let that sink in: sixteen billion usernames and passwords — stolen, compiled, and now floating in the digital underworld.
However, there are some things to keep in mind about this one. It’s not so much a single data breach as it is a compilation of other large data leaks.
According to a Tom’s Guide report, cybercriminals compiled this massive trove from more than 30 breached databases — many of them tied to some of the biggest names online: Apple, Google, Facebook, Telegram, GitHub, and more.
The data includes URLs, usernames, and passwords — covering everything from personal emails and social media to government platforms and corporate VPNs. Some of it may come from older leaks, but a lot appears to be new, pulled from so-called “infostealers” — malware designed to quietly drain your saved credentials.
It’s not just the size that’s shocking — it’s the potential reach. Even if you haven’t been directly targeted, your data may still be in there. And when that many credentials are out in the wild, it’s only a matter of time before bad actors start testing them.
So, what can you do?
1. Check if you’ve been compromised.
Go to Have I Been Pwned and enter your email address. It’ll tell you if it’s shown up in any known breaches.
2. Change your passwords — all of them.
Start with anything important: banking, email, cloud storage. Delete accounts you don’t use anymore. Don’t recycle old passwords. Use long, unique ones.
3. Use a password manager.
Good ones generate and store strong passwords so you don’t have to remember them all. That’s what they’re for. Don’t trust your browser alone. I use LastPass, and it’s just added passkeys for both mobile and web.
4. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
This is non-negotiable now. Even if a hacker has your password, 2FA adds a second lock on the door. Use an app or physical security key. Avoid SMS if possible.
The age of just-a-password is over. Really, it’s been over for a long time. If you’re still living in it, this breach is your wake-up call.