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.

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

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • 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

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.