183 Million Email Passwords Leaked Online?

In a shocking cybersecurity incident, approximately 183 million email passwords have reportedly been leaked online, exposing users of major email services such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo to significant risks. Security experts have labeled this as one of the largest password breaches in history, attributing much of the data theft to malware covertly installed on compromised devices. Despite widespread concerns, Google has vehemently denied claims of a Gmail breach, stating that the incident does not involve a hack of its systems but rather the theft of user credentials. The tech giant has advised users to enhance their security by enabling two-step verification and adopting passkeys. Cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt revealed that the leak includes 16 million email addresses that had never appeared in previous breaches. The stolen data was primarily sourced from illicit online forums and Telegram channels, where hackers trade compromised login details. While Gmail itself remained secure, many users fell victim to malware on their personal devices, leading to password theft. Experts have issued stern warnings about the dangers of reused passwords, emphasizing that such practices can grant hackers access to sensitive accounts, including banking and social media profiles. To mitigate risks, users are urged to employ unique passwords for each account, utilize password managers, and ensure their antivirus software is up to date.