October 28, 2025 — Tech Security News — The cybersecurity world is on high alert after Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) confirmed that over 183 million account credentials, including Gmail passwords, were found in a massive infostealer log leak. The leak, which has been added to the HIBP database, has drawn global attention due to the scale and sensitivity of the exposed data.
Gmail Passwords Found Among Massive Infostealer Leak
Cybersecurity researcher and HIBP founder Troy Hunt revealed that the compromised dataset includes email addresses, website URLs, and passwords, affecting users across multiple major platforms such as Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo, Facebook, and Instagram. Hunt explained that the leak primarily came from infostealer malware — malicious programs that extract credentials from infected devices.
Although much of the data appears to be recycled from older leaks, Hunt confirmed that 16.4 million credentials are newly exposed, making this one of the largest verified infostealer log dumps in recent years.
Google Responds: No Gmail Breach Occurred
Google swiftly issued a statement clarifying that this is not a direct Gmail security breach. Instead, the data originates from third-party malware infections and existing leaks compiled by cybercriminals.
“Reports of a Gmail security breach impacting millions of users are false,” Google stated. “Users remain protected, and this data reflects activity from across the web, not a new targeted attack.”
The company emphasized that Gmail’s security systems remain robust and encouraged users to enable two-step verification and passkeys to protect their accounts from unauthorized access.
How Have I Been Pwned Helps Users Check for Exposure
Have I Been Pwned has become a vital tool for anyone concerned about their digital security. Users can search their email addresses to determine if their data has appeared in known breaches or leaks. In this case, the database now includes entries related to the 183 million compromised credentials, allowing individuals to quickly check if they’ve been affected.
HIBP’s verification process confirmed that several credentials were valid and active. One Gmail user reportedly validated that the password listed for their account was indeed correct — highlighting the ongoing risk of reused or unchanged passwords.
Expert Insights: The Ongoing Threat of Credential Leaks
Cybersecurity experts warn that even though this latest exposure does not stem from a single new hack, its implications are serious. Sachin Jade, Chief Product Officer at Cyware, noted that “credential-based attacks remain one of the most common causes of data breaches.”
He added that companies should integrate compromised credential monitoring into their cybersecurity frameworks, treating it as a proactive defense mechanism rather than a reactive safeguard.
The 183 million-password leak serves as a reminder of how vast and interconnected cyber risks have become, with stolen login details often reused by hackers for credential stuffing — a technique where attackers test leaked passwords across multiple sites to gain access to different accounts.
Steps Users Should Take Immediately
Security analysts recommend that users take the following actions to mitigate risks:
- Visit Have I Been Pwned to check if their email or password has been exposed.
- Change all compromised passwords immediately, especially if reused across multiple sites.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or passkeys on all major accounts.
- Avoid reusing passwords and consider using a password manager to generate unique, strong credentials.
- Regularly review account activity for any unauthorized logins.
Conclusion
While Google confirmed that Gmail’s systems remain secure, the exposure of 183 million credentials underscores the persistent dangers of infostealer malware and poor password hygiene. Tools like Have I Been Pwned continue to play a crucial role in helping users identify and respond to potential compromises before cybercriminals can exploit them.
Staying vigilant, adopting passkeys, and regularly auditing passwords are now essential steps for anyone seeking to protect their digital identity in 2025’s ever-evolving threat landscape.
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