Survey describes data exposure as the largest in history; Breaks include Apple and Google services
The internet had 16 billion passwords leaked since the beginning of 2025, according to carried out by the specialized site cybernews. The last update is from this Friday (20.jun.2025). According to the text, this was the largest data exhibition in history.
The team of researchers responsible for the analysis stated that the leaked passwords were found in 30 sets of exposed information. The largest of them had 3.5 billion records.
“The only minimally positive news is that all data sets have been exposed for a short time: enough for the researchers to discover them, but not enough time to identify who controlled such amount.”says the publication.
Although the report mentions the 16 billion passwords, the text also says that some of these leaks can ber “Overlapping”. That is, the same code may have been released in different sets.
“It was not possible to compare the data effectively between the different sets, but it is certain that there are overlapping records. In other words, it is impossible to know how many people or accounts were actually exposed.”read in the publication.
Researchers say most leaked data come from 3 sources:
- malicious programs that steal passwords;
- Bases used to try to invade accounts with well -known combinations;
- old leaks that were reorganized and disclosed again.
The survey also signals that some of the leaked information has a direct connection with large sites. The most cited throughout the report were:
- – Messaging application focused on privacy, speed and large groups;
- – Technology company, owner of the largest search engine on the internet;
- – Hosting and collaboration platform for programming projects;
- – Company that manufactures iPhones, Macs and other premium electronic products.
The UN (United Nations) estimates that the planet has a population of in 2025. That is, the data from the cybernews They show more leaked passwords than people.
How to protect yourself from leaks
The survey that presented the leaks brings some security tips:
- Password redefinition – Change your passwords even if you think it was not affected;
- strong passwords – Use unique and safe combinations without repeating in different services;
- multifactor authentication – Activate the option of connecting by means beyond the password whenever possible. For example, the It has the option to require a device already logged in to authorize access;
- monitoring of accounts – Follow access and suspicious activities frequently.
- customer support – Contact if you notice any unusual movement on the account.
