Here is what to do to protect yourself from one of the “largest data breach in history.”
HOUSTON — A massive data breach has exposed login credentials for more than 16 billion online accounts tied to major tech and social media platforms, including Google, Apple and Facebook, according to Forbes.
The report cites Cybernews, an independent cybersecurity outlet, which said researchers discovered 30 databases containing billions of usernames and passwords that can be accessed by criminals.
Experts say anyone with online accounts should assume their data may have been stolen and take precautions now.
“This is the release of a massive data set, one of the largest that we’ve ever seen,” said David Taxer, owner of Texas Cyber Solutions.
Unlike past breaches that targeted specific companies, this leak appears to span a wide range of users and platforms. “What they’re really looking for is, hey, does this guy work for so-and-so company, does he have access, is this password the same, can we get on his PC,” Taxer added.
Technology expert Michael Garfield said the scale of the breach is unprecedented.
“If reports hold to be true, this is one of, if not the largest data breach in the history of the internet,” he said.
Garfield recommends users take immediate action to protect their accounts.
“You may want to use two-factor authentication,” he said. “Where you actually log in, you receive a text back, you put that special code in there where that company and that website knows it’s specifically you.”
He also advises people to stop reusing passwords across accounts and to update them regularly.
“You absolutely always 100 percent of the time need to be concerned about your data,” Garfield said.
Newsweek reports it is still unclear which individuals or entities originally owned most of the exposed data. However, now it is the best time to take precautions.
With easy to hack passwords, someone can gain access to an email that contains credit card and bank account information. The passwords can even be sold on the dark web for identity theft and fraud.
Cybersecurity professionals recommend the following:
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Enable two-factor authentication on all major accounts
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Avoid reusing passwords across platforms
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Regularly update and strengthen passwords
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Scan devices for malware and use trusted security software