Allegations of 16 billion login data leaks, the digital security checks we need to perform right now

Security warning, it's no longer someone else's problem.

In June 2025, a strong warning rang out to internet users worldwide. The cybersecurity media outlet Cybernews recently reported that at least 30 large login credential datasets were identified on the dark web, with the potential for over 16 billion user account details to have been leaked in total. The leaked platforms included commonly used services in daily life, such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Telegram, GitHub, and various government websites. This leak is not just a simple hacking incident. Through a type of malware known as an Infostealer, actual login credentials collected from users' computers and smartphones were uploaded to the dark web in a structured form. This poses a tangible risk, as anyone with the password could access the accounts, indicating that not only data but the entire digital identity and assets of the user have been exposed.

The scale and characteristics of the leaked information

According to data analyzed by CyberNews, the leaked information was mostly organized as a combination of website addresses (URLs), usernames (IDs or emails), and passwords. Some of the datasets were targeted specifically at Portuguese users, while others were analyzed to have been collected from Russia. This means that user accounts of hundreds of millions of people around the world are exposed in a structured form to attackers, who can easily exploit them to target specific countries or services. Particularly concerning is the fact that this leaked data is different from information that has been leaked in the past. A significant portion has been confirmed to consist of new account information that has not been previously exposed, which also indicates that many users' accounts are still in use. Security experts regard this incident not as a simple leak but as a 'consolidation of organized and long-term collected information.'

Security checks we must conduct right now

This incident poses a very real threat to individual users as well. Therefore, regardless of whether you have been affected, everyone should immediately conduct a digital security check. Here are the essential measures recommended by experts. 1. Change passwords entirely: The first thing to do is to change the passwords for your major accounts immediately. Prioritize changing passwords for major platforms such as Google, Apple, Facebook, email, banking, and shopping sites, and if you have reused the same password across multiple sites, you need to set up all accounts anew. 2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Passwords alone are not sufficient for security. Setting up two-factor authentication adds an additional step to verify your identity beyond just the password, making it much harder for hackers to gain access. 3. Use a password manager: If you find it difficult to remember various complex passwords, using a trusted password manager app is the safest option. 4. Check for account breaches: There are tools available that can help you determine whether your email or accounts have been compromised. 5. Be cautious of unknown links and apps: Leaked information can be exploited for secondary attacks such as phishing emails, fake login sites, and the distribution of malicious apps. 6. Review recent login history and set up notifications: All major platforms provide features that allow you to check your recent login history and the devices that have accessed your account.

Security is an individual's survival strategy.

This leak incident is not just an issue of security failure by a specific company. Anyone can get infected with infostealers, and sensitive information can be collected without one even realizing it, potentially being converted into data organized on the dark web. The advancement of technology has brought convenience, but it has also imposed security responsibilities on each individual. At this moment, checking passwords, setting up two-factor authentication, and reflecting on security habits are the only ways to respond. Once information is leaked, it cannot be reversed, and prevention is the best approach to digital threats. Security is no longer a choice, but a fundamental requirement for survival in a digital society.