- By Prateek Levi
- Fri, 20 Jun 2025 02:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Password Data Breach Update: Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered what could be the largest data breach in history—one that has exposed more than 16 billion records, including usernames, passwords, and sensitive data from some of the world’s biggest online services.
The investigation, led by Cybernews journalist Vilius Petkauskas, began earlier this year and has since revealed 30 separate data dumps. Each of these dumps reportedly contains anywhere from tens of millions to over 3.5 billion stolen records, as reported by Forbes.
The compromised data appears to have been collected through a series of infostealer malware attacks. These malicious programs infiltrate devices and quietly extract login credentials and other sensitive information without users ever realising it.
The leaked credentials cover a wide range of services—everything from social media platforms and developer tools to VPN accounts and government portals. Major names such as Apple, Google, Facebook, GitHub, and Telegram are among those affected.
Petkauskas noted that most of the stolen information is structured in a straightforward format: URL links followed by usernames and passwords. He warned that if you’ve ever logged into an online account, there’s a chance your data may be part of this breach.
In an interview with Forbes, he said, “This is not just a leak – it's a blueprint for mass exploitation. These credentials are ground zero for phishing attacks and account takeover; these aren't just old breaches being recycled.”
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, stressed the need for stronger personal cybersecurity practices. He told Forbes that users should now, more than ever, invest in password management solutions and tools that monitor the dark web for leaked data.
The incident highlights that cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern—it’s a personal one. Every user needs to stay vigilant, adopt multi-factor authentication, and avoid reusing passwords across platforms.
With the recent data breach exposing billions of login credentials, it’s more important than ever to check if your passwords are still secure. Thankfully, there are several reliable tools—built right into your devices or available online—that can help you find out if your data has been compromised.
Here are a few easy ways to check if your passwords have been exposed:
Check for Exposed Passwords on Apple Devices
If you’re using an iPhone or Mac, Apple has already built a helpful password checker into the system via iCloud Keychain. It not only stores your passwords securely but also flags any that have appeared in known data breaches.
On iPhone:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Passwords.
- Tap Security Recommendations.
If any of your passwords are weak or part of a data leak, you’ll see alerts here. Tap Change Password on Website to go directly to the affected site and update your credentials.
On Mac:
- Open Safari, go to Preferences, then select the Passwords tab.
- Use your password or Touch ID to access saved passwords.
Compromised passwords will be marked with a warning icon. Click it for more details and follow the recommended action.
You can also enable Detect compromised passwords to receive real-time alerts.
Use Google’s Built-In Password Checkup Tool
Google offers its own password checkup feature through Chrome and Android, making it simple to spot any security issues.
On Chrome (desktop):
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings → Autofill and Passwords → Google Password Manager → Password Checkup.
Google will instantly scan and highlight any compromised, reused, or weak passwords.
On Android:
- Go to Settings and search for “Passwords”.
- Tap Autofill Services with Google → Passwords → Check Passwords.
Whether on desktop or mobile, Google makes it easy to stay ahead of password threats with real-time breach monitoring.
Use ‘Have I Been Pwned’ to Check Password Leaks
One of the most trusted and widely used breach-checking tools is Have I Been Pwned. You can enter your email address or even specific passwords (safely and anonymously) to see if they’ve been exposed in any data leaks.
The site maintains an up-to-date database of compromised credentials and also lists recent breaches, so you can check if a website or service you're using has been affected before signing up or logging in.
Check Using Password Managers
Most password managers today do more than just store your credentials—they actively help you stay secure.
Many premium password managers and even antivirus tools offer dark web monitoring to alert you if your data ends up on underground marketplaces.
Final Thought
Whether you’re an iPhone user or rely on Google, or even just want a one-click check via a service like ‘Have I Been Pwned’, there are plenty of ways to stay ahead of security threats. With billions of credentials now floating around online, regularly reviewing your passwords and updating them with stronger alternatives is no longer optional—it’s essential.