Cybersecurity researchers discover 30 exposed datasets with 18 billion login credentials, involving major tech giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and YouTube.
The exposed data includes information from infostealer malware, credential stuffing sets, and repackaged leaks, posing a significant threat to online security.
Exposed records include service URLs, login details, and passwords, making them directly usable for unauthorized access.
Researchers highlight the continuous and evolving threat posed by these datasets.
The presence of tokens, cookies, and metadata in the data allows attackers to bypass security measures and gather deeper insights into user accounts.
The risk of account takeover is increased significantly due to widespread credential exposure.
Proactive steps to secure online accounts include changing passwords, using strong and unique passwords, enabling MFA, monitoring accounts, being wary of phishing, and checking for compromise.
Services like 'Have I Been Pwned?' can help users check if their email addresses or phone numbers have been involved in data breaches.
Constant vigilance and strong cybersecurity practices are crucial in combating threats like infostealer malware.