A staggering 16 billion passwords linked to popular platforms including Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon have been leaked online in what experts are calling the largest data breach in history.
The breach, discovered on a dark web forum, includes a massive database of login credentials compiled from old and recent hacks, phishing attacks, and exposed databases. Cybersecurity researchers have dubbed it the “Mother of All Breaches” (MOAB) due to its scale and reach.
“This is not just a big leak it’s an unprecedented threat to global digital security,” said David Marcus, a cybersecurity analyst at CyberWatch360.
The leaked passwords reportedly include access to email accounts, cloud services, social media, banking apps, and healthcare portals, many of which remain active.
Tech giants have responded quickly. Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft have urged users to:
• Change their passwords immediately
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Be alert to fishy emails and suspicious login attempts
Some companies have already started resetting compromised accounts and notifying affected users.
Cyber experts are warning individuals and businesses to act fast. If your password has ever been reused across accounts, your data may be at risk.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Use strong, unique passwords for each account
• Turn on MFA wherever possible
• Consider using a password manager
• Be cautious of phishing emails or login prompts
This breach is a wake-up call: online security starts with better password habits. In Africa where we are now stepping into digitalization we need to adopt these to protect our monies and accounts.
