16 Billion Passwords Leaked: What You Need to Do Right Now to Stay Safe Online
- Frank Verderosa
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
What Happened?
A massive data leak has just made headlines: over 16 billion passwords and login credentials have been exposed online. That’s right—billions with a B. This is now the largest credential leak in history, with stolen data from social media accounts, emails, banks, streaming platforms, and more.
Even if you haven’t been hacked directly, your credentials might already be floating around on the dark web from an old breach you’ve forgotten about. So what should you do?
Step 1: Change Your Passwords- Now!!
If you’ve reused the same password on more than one site (and let’s be honest, most people do), you’re at serious risk. Hackers use credential stuffing, where they take one set of stolen login details and try it on every major website until it works.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
Don’t reuse passwords
Use strong, unique passwords (at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols)
Use a password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass to keep track of everything
Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
What is 2FA?
Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring something you know (your password) plus something you have (like your phone or a security key). Even if someone gets your password, they still can’t log in without the second factor.
How to Set It Up:
Most major platforms offer 2FA under Settings > Security or Account > Login Options. You can choose from:
Text Message (SMS): A code sent to your phone. Basic but better than nothing.
Authenticator App: Like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy—generates time-based codes that change every 30 seconds.
Security Key: A physical USB device like a YubiKey for maximum protection.
Always choose Authenticator App or Security Key when possible—these are far harder to hack than SMS.
Step 3: Move to Passkeys — The Future of Secure Login
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are a new, phishing-resistant login method developed by Apple, Google, and other major tech companies. They replace passwords with a cryptographic key pair that lives securely on your device. No more remembering or typing anything!
Think of it like Face ID or fingerprint login—but it works across apps and websites.
Benefits:
No password to steal or forget
Resistant to phishing attacks
Fast and easy to use
How to Set Up Passkeys:
On Apple Devices:
Go to Settings > Passwords
Enable Passkeys under password options
Supported apps and websites will offer a “Sign in with Passkey” option automatically when available
On Android:
Open Google Password Manager
Tap Set up passkeys
Passkeys will sync across your devices using your Google Account
On Windows:
Use a browser like Chrome or Edge
Sign into your Microsoft account and enable passkey login
Most major platforms like Amazon, PayPal, eBay, and Instagram are starting to support passkeys—so now’s the time to switch.
Final Thoughts
If you take just one action today, make it this:
Change your passwords and turn on 2FA everywhere you can.
If you’re ready to go a step further, start using passkeys—they’re easier and safer than passwords and are quickly becoming the new standard.
The digital world is shifting fast, and this massive leak is a wake-up call. But with the right tools, you can stay one step ahead of the hackers.
Helpful Links
thanks for the heads up!