Nearly 200 million passwords and login details have been leaked online after hackers targeted some of the world’s biggest tech companies. The stolen information included usernames, emails, passwords, and in some cases, financial data.
Among the affected companies are Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Snapchat, Roblox, PayPal, and Discord. Health and government platforms were also compromised.
The hackers used a type of malware called “infostealer” that infects devices and secretly steals saved passwords, emails, documents, and browser data. This malware works like a digital pickpocket, grabbing sensitive information whenever users are online.
Security experts warn everyone to change their passwords regularly to reduce risks. They also recommend using strong, unique passwords for each account and enabling two-factor authentication for extra protection.
Antivirus software can help detect and remove malware like infostealers. Users should avoid storing important documents in email accounts and instead use encrypted cloud storage.
The stolen data was found on a public database, which was taken offline after the breach was reported.
Jeremiah Fowler, who discovered the leak, said many people store sensitive documents in their email without realizing the risks. He urged users to delete old sensitive emails regularly and be cautious with their online security.
