Massive Data Breach Exposes 773 Million Emails, 21 Million Passwords

Massive Data Breach Exposes 773 Million Emails, 21 Million Passwords

Security researcher Troy Hunt reported last week a massive data breach, a collection of 772,9-4,991 unique emails and 21,222,975 unique passwords.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Jan 23, 2019

Security researcher Troy Hunt reported last week a massive data breach, a collection of 772,9-4,991 unique emails and 21,222,975 unique passwords. The breach could be one of the largest data breaches of all time, according to reports.

Hunt initially reported the breach, called “Collection #1,” on Jan. 17. According to Hunt, the breach is “made up of many different individual data breaches from literally thousands of different sources” and is especially dangerous because it creates 1.6 billion “unique combinations of email addresses and passwords.”

The data was contained in 12,000 separate files at a total of 87 GB of data on hacking forums. Security experts are particularly concerned because the files include “dehashed” passwords, meaning hackers were able to unscramble and expose concealed passwords.

According to Hunt, the leaked email and password combinations are prime for credential stuffing, a hacking practice where breached username or email/password combinations are used to hack into other accounts where a user might have recycled passwords.

You can use Hunt’s website “Have I Been Pwned” to see if your information was part of the breach.

Here are five ways to protect your accounts from hackers. If you have been hacked, here are some steps to take in the aftermath.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

  • Creating More Versatility

    Today, AI has become top of mind for most security professionals. It is the topic of conversation in the technology world and continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. Read Now

  • Report: 78 Percent of CISOs Seeing Significant Impact from AI-Powered Cyber Threats

    Darktrace recently unveiled its 2025 State of AI Cybersecurity report. The findings reveal that 78% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) surveyed say that AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organizations, a 5% increase1 from 2024. While an increasing number of CISOs report feeling a significant impact from AI threats, more than 60% now say that they are adequately prepared to defend against these threats, an increase of nearly 15% year-over-year. However, insufficient AI knowledge and skills and a shortage of personnel and talent continue to be listed as the two top inhibitors to a successful defense. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.