16 Billion Passwords Leaked Globally: CERT-In Issues Urgent Warning — What You Must Do Now

In a major cyber alert, India’s cybersecurity agency CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) has issued a nationwide warning after 16 billion passwords were reportedly leaked online. If you use online banking, social media platforms, or mobile apps, your digital safety could be at serious risk. Here’s everything you need to know — and more importantly, what steps you must take immediately to protect your accounts.

🚨 What Happened?

According to CERT-In, the massive data breach involved sensitive login credentials leaked from over 30 major platforms, including:

• Google

• Apple

• Facebook

• Telegram

• GitHub

• Popular VPN services

The breach does not include passwords alone — hackers have also accessed:

• Usernames

• Login tokens

• Session cookies

• Other personal identifiers

⚠️ Why This Is Extremely Dangerous

CERT-In highlights four major threats due to this breach:

Credential Stuffing Attacks:
Hackers can try stolen passwords across multiple websites, hoping users reused them.

Phishing Scams:
Cybercriminals may send fake emails or messages using your personal details to trick you into sharing more data.

Account Hijacking:
Your email, bank, social media, and cloud accounts could be hijacked using stolen credentials.

Business Email Compromise (BEC):
Hackers may infiltrate company systems for financial fraud, affecting enterprises and startups alike.

🔍 How Did the Leak Happen?

There are two primary reasons behind this massive breach:

• Info-stealer Malware:
  Malware running silently on infected devices can collect saved passwords, tokens, and browser data.

• Poor Database Security:
  Misconfigured or unprotected servers made it easier for hackers to steal massive amounts of data from companies.

🛡️ What You Need to Do Immediately ✅ 1. Change Your Passwords NOW

Update passwords for all critical accounts — including:

• Email

• Banking

• Investment apps

• Cloud storage

• Social media
  Use unique and strong passwords for each.

✅ 2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Turn on MFA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection using OTPs or authenticator apps, even if your password gets leaked.

✅ 3. Beware of Suspicious Emails or Links

Don’t click on unexpected password reset links or email attachments. Confirm the source before taking any action.

✅ 4. Use a Trusted Password Manager

These tools generate and store complex passwords securely. You won’t have to remember each one individually.

✅ 5. Check for Breach Exposure

Use platforms like:

• haveibeenpwned.com

• Firefox Monitor

to see if your email or credentials were part of a known breach.

📞 Report If You're a Victim

If you suspect fraud or see unauthorized activity:

• Call 1930 (India’s national cybercrime helpline)

• Or report at cybercrime.gov.in

💬 Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

This is one of the largest credential leaks in recent years, and it affects people globally. Whether you’re a student, working professional, business owner, or investor — your digital identity is at risk. Following simple cyber hygiene practices and acting quickly and decisively is your best defense.

🔐 Don't wait — secure your accounts now.