16 Billion Logins Stolen In Mega Data Breach Threatening Apple, Google and More
In a massive global data breach, hackers have leaked 16 billion login credentials, exposing users of platforms like Apple, Google, Facebook, GitHub, and even government services, according to Forbes. The breach was uncovered this week by cybersecurity researchers who found the records in 30 unprotected datasets, some containing up to 3.5 billion entries each. Cybersecurity experts first noticed a mysterious open database containing 184 million records, which has now proven to be only a small part of a much larger breach. Researchers have since confirmed 30+ datasets leaked online, containing VPN logins, social media accounts, and developer platform access. The breach is not a recycling of old data but fresh, high-value information collected throughout 2025, making it dangerous and exploitable for phishing attacks, account takeovers, and business email compromise (BEC) schemes. “This is not just a leak — it’s a blueprint for mass exploitation,” warned the research team cited in Forbes. Darren Guccie, CEO of Keeper Security, emphasised that the leak’s scale and nature pose “far-reaching risks” to users across sectors. Google has responded by urging users to move beyond traditional passwords and 2FA, and instead adopt passkeys, which are biometric login systems using fingerprint or facial recognition. “Passkeys are phishing-resistant and safer than passwords,” Google stated. Advice: This mega breach highlights how credential leaks remain one of the top cyber threats globally. The fact that the stolen logins are fresh and tied to major platforms increases the urgency for users to act. Cyber Safety Tips: Switch to Passkeys or biometric login methods wherever possible Update your passwords immediately, especially for sensitive accounts Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) Avoid clicking on suspicious links or emails asking for logins Report scams or suspicious activity at cybercrime.gov.in