Cybersecurity experts call it one of the largest credential dumps ever uncovered
A massive new data leak has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity world, with over 183 million email passwords exposed online — including tens of millions linked to Gmail accounts. Experts are urging users to immediately check their accounts on Have I Been Pwned (HIBP), the trusted platform that allows anyone to see if their data has been compromised.
The leak, which surfaced this month, contains more than 3.5 terabytes of stolen credentials, according to Troy Hunt, the Australian security researcher who created Have I Been Pwned. Hunt described the breach as “one of the largest credential dumps ever discovered,” affecting a wide range of email providers including Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.
What Happened: 183 Million Accounts Exposed
The stolen data reportedly originated from “infostealer” malware networks — malicious software that secretly collects usernames, passwords, and website addresses from infected computers. Hunt explained that the dataset includes both stealer logs and credential stuffing lists compiled over the past year.
“This isn’t a single hack,” Hunt clarified. “It’s the aggregation of stolen credentials from multiple malware campaigns that have infected millions of devices.”
Security firm Synthient, which discovered the leak, confirmed that the credentials were shared across underground Telegram channels and dark web marketplaces, where hackers trade stolen information in bulk. Analysts at Synthient estimate that at least 16.4 million email addresses in the dataset have never appeared in any prior breaches, making this discovery especially alarming.
How to Check If You’ve Been Affected
If you’re concerned about your account’s safety, cybersecurity professionals recommend using Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) — the free breach-checking website operated by Troy Hunt.
To verify your data:
- Visit HaveIBeenPwned.com.
- Enter your email address in the search bar.
- The site will tell you if your information has appeared in a known breach, including this latest one.
If your email is flagged, immediately reset your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
As Hunt emphasized:
“If you’re one of the 183 million affected, change your email password now and turn on two-step verification if you haven’t already.”
Gmail, Outlook, and Beyond
Although millions of Gmail credentials appear in the data, Google confirmed that its own systems were not directly breached. Instead, the stolen passwords were captured from infected user devices.
A Google spokesperson stated:
“Reports of a Gmail hack are inaccurate. These leaks stem from infostealer malware activity, not a direct breach of our systems.”
Google urged users to use its Password Manager Checkup tool, which scans for weak or compromised passwords and suggests stronger alternatives. The company also recommends enabling passkeys, a more secure replacement for traditional passwords.
Why This Breach Matters
Experts warn that even if your email provider wasn’t hacked, the exposure of credentials can lead to credential stuffing attacks — where cybercriminals test stolen username-password combinations on multiple websites.
Because many people reuse passwords across platforms, a compromised email login can give attackers access to social media, bank accounts, or cloud storage.
British cybersecurity expert Michael Tigges explained:
“This isn’t one big data breach — it’s years of malware logs compiled into one massive dataset. It’s a reminder of how dangerous password reuse can be.”
Steps to Stay Protected
Cybersecurity experts advise users to take the following precautions:
- Change passwords for all accounts linked to your main email address.
- Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
- Avoid downloading unknown software or attachments, which often carry infostealer malware.
- Keep antivirus software up to date to prevent credential theft.
Famed cybersecurity blogger Graham Cluley added that storing passwords in browsers like Chrome can increase risks:
“Use a secure password manager — not your browser. Malware can easily extract saved credentials.”
The Bottom Line
The Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) platform remains the first line of defense for millions of internet users worldwide. With over 183 million accounts exposed, cybersecurity experts agree that the scale of this breach highlights one simple truth: password hygiene is more important than ever.
As Troy Hunt warned, “Reusing passwords is a recipe for disaster. Prevention is the only real protection.”
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