The digital world has once again been rocked by the largest data breach incident in history. As many as 16 billion login credentials, including accounts from Apple, Google, and Facebook, were reportedly leaked and spread across the internet. This leak did not come from a single incident, but rather the result of a compilation of 30 different databases collected through infostealer malware.

What Happened?

According to a report from Cybernews, most of this data came from information-stealing malware that infiltrated users’ devices and stole login data silently. The leaked data not only included usernames and passwords, but also tokens, cookies, and metadata that could be used to take over accounts completely.

What makes this situation even more worrying is the fact that the leaked data is new, not recycled from old incidents. This means that many accounts are still active and vulnerable to attacks such as credential stuffing, phishing, and identity theft.

Who’s Affected?

Major platforms like Apple, Google, Facebook, Telegram, GitHub, and even government services are said to be the main targets. In fact, some reports say that 184 million credentials from the three tech giants have been leaked in just one dataset.

What Should Users Do?

Security experts recommend the following steps:

• Immediately change your important account passwords, especially if you use the same combination across multiple services.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.
• Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords.
• Check if your accounts are affected through sites like Have I Been Pwned.

This leak is a stark reminder that digital security is no longer an option, but a necessity. In an era where data is your most valuable asset, keeping your credentials safe is the first step to protecting your identity and privacy.