Massive Data Breach Exposes 183 Million Passwords in Stealer Log Attack

A massive data breach has compromised 183 million user passwords. The leak was identified by cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt. It affects email accounts from major providers like Google and Yahoo.

The breach did not occur as a single incident. Instead, it involves a vast collection of “stealer logs.” These are data files compiled by information-stealing malware.

Scope and Scale of the Password Leak

The stolen data totals 3.5 terabytes. This volume is equivalent to 875 full-length HD movies. The scale of the leak is unprecedented.

According to reports from the Daily Mail, the passwords were harvested over time. They were gathered from computers infected with a type of malware called ‘infostealers’. This malware records login credentials when users type them.

Hunt’s website, haveibeenpwned.com, allows users to check their exposure. The service confirms if an email was involved in this or previous breaches. Users are urged to change passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

How the Stealer Log Network Operates

The breach reveals a complex hacker ecosystem. The 183 million credentials were shared across a sprawling network. These ‘stealer logs’ are constantly generated and traded.

According to Metro, an American student helped uncover the network’s scale. Benjamin Brundage worked with cybersecurity firm Synthient. Their tool discovered over 600 million stolen credentials circulating at the peak.

This data was provided to Hunt’s service for public verification. The situation highlights the persistent threat of cybercrime. It shows how stolen personal data is replicated across numerous platforms.

The exposure of 183 million passwords underscores a critical vulnerability in personal digital security. This massive data breach serves as a stark reminder for all internet users to proactively manage their online credentials and enhance their account protections immediately.

Info at your fingertips

How can I check if my password was leaked?

Visit the website haveibeenpwned.com. Enter your email address to check its status. The service will tell you if your data was part of this or other breaches.

What are ‘stealer logs’?

Stealer logs are files created by information-stealing malware. They record your login details from an infected computer. These logs are then shared among cybercriminals.

What should I do if my email is compromised?

Immediately change your password for the affected account. Also, change it for any other account that uses the same password. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Were only email passwords leaked?

No, the stealer logs contain more than just email passwords. They include credentials for shopping, banking, and streaming sites. Any password typed on an infected machine could be stolen.

How did experts discover this breach?

Cybersecurity firm Synthient developed a tool to scan hacker networks. It found hundreds of millions of stolen credentials. This data was then shared with Troy Hunt’s public service.