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

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.