Largest Password Leak in History Exposes 16 Billion Credentials Across Major Platforms

Cybersecurity researchers have revealed what is now being called the largest credential leak in history—a staggering 16 billion email and password combinations spanning major platforms such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Instagram, Gmail, and many more. The discovery, first reported by Cybernews and covered by international outlets including The Times of India and News.com.au, indicates that the leaked credentials are not merely recycled from older breaches but include fresh, active login information, making them particularly dangerous.

The compromised data covers a wide range of services, including streaming platforms, developer tools, communication apps, payment processors, and even government portals. Some of the information reportedly includes session tokens and cookies, which can allow cybercriminals to bypass password and two-factor authentication requirements to hijack accounts directly.

According to Cybernews, much of the data appears to have been harvested through infostealer malware—malicious software that silently collects login credentials from infected devices. The scale and freshness of this breach make it highly exploitable, with cybersecurity professionals warning that it provides a “blueprint for mass credential stuffing attacks, phishing scams, and identity theft.”

Experts are urging all users to act immediately. Recommended steps include changing all passwords—especially if they have been reused across platforms—enabling two-factor authentication or passkeys, using a secure password manager, monitoring accounts for unusual activity, and being cautious with email or text-based login prompts that could be phishing attempts.

While previous high-profile data breaches, like Yahoo’s 2013 incident that impacted 3 billion users, were massive in scope, this leak is particularly alarming due to how current and usable the credentials are. It also follows earlier reports in 2024 of a so-called “mother of all breaches,” but that event involved many outdated or duplicate records. This time, experts warn, the threat is immediate and widespread.

This record-breaking data leak is a sobering reminder that in today’s digital landscape, no one is immune to cyber threats—and staying safe online means staying proactive, vigilant, and informed.