16 Billion Passwords Leaked: What You Need to Know Now
According to a June 19, 2025 report by Forbes and Cybernews researchers, an astonishing 16 billion credentials have been discovered in a newly assembled “Mother of All Breaches” (MOAB). Unlike past incidents that recycled old leaks, this trove includes fresh, previously unseen login credentials, making it one of the most dangerous data dumps to date.
Who’s Affected?
Credentials from major platforms such as:
- Apple
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Telegram
- GitHub
- Various government services
…have been found in this breach. The leak was likely collected via infostealer malware, which silently harvests login information from infected devices and transmits it to attackers.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just another breach. With billions of fresh records, attackers now have access to powerful data for:
- Phishing attacks
- Identity theft
- Account takeovers
- Crypto wallet hijacking
- Business email compromise
Even if you’re cautious, your credentials may have been compromised through third-party sites or infected software.
What You Should Do Right Now
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Change passwords immediately | Prioritize Apple, Google, Facebook, banking, and email accounts |
| Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Adds a critical layer of protection even if your password is exposed |
| Run anti-malware scans | Detect and remove infostealers before they cause more harm |
| Use a password manager | Generate strong, unique passwords and stay informed about breaches |
| Monitor for suspicious activity | Keep an eye on your inboxes, accounts, and credit for unusual behavior |
Passkeys Are Now
This incident underscores the urgency of moving beyond traditional passwords. Tech giants like Google, Apple, and Meta have already implemented support for passkeys—a secure, phishing-resistant method of authentication using device biometrics or local credentials.
Passkeys aren’t just a glimpse into the future—they are absolutely necessary today. They offer a login experience that is easier, faster, and significantly more secure than traditional passwords.
If your accounts support them, make the switch to passkeys now.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity warnings often seem exaggerated, but this breach is a clear call to action. Even if only a fraction of the 16 billion leaked credentials are valid, the scale of risk is enormous.
Take 15 minutes today to protect yourself. It could save you months of headaches—or worse.
Need help? Ask TMPros about Password Complete, our bundled solution that includes dark web breach monitoring, password manager setup, multi-factor authentication, and passkey enablement. It’s everything you need to secure your digital identity in one powerful package.
Stay safe out there. We’re here when you need us.
