Recently, several media outlets reported a significant exposure of approximately 16 billion login credentials, including usernames, passwords, authentication tokens, and associated metadata from platforms such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Telegram, GitHub, and various virtual private network (VPN) services.

Recommendations to mitigate risks

Update Passwords Immediately: Change passwords for all affected services, prioritizing email, banking, social media, and government portals. Create strong, unique passwords (minimum 12 characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols). Avoid reusing passwords across services to prevent credential stuffing attacks. Make it a habit to change your passwords regularly.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Activate MFA on all accounts that support it, using authenticator apps, hardware tokens, or SMS-based verification.

Transition to Passkeys: Where supported (e.g., Apple, Google), enable passkeys for password-less, phishing-resistant authentication using biometrics or device PINs.

Protect Against Malware: Run antivirus scans to detect and remove infostealer malware. Ensure operating systems, browsers, and applications are updated to address known vulnerabilities.