Hackers breach 184 million accounts—act now to protect yours

If you’ve ever thought, ‘It’ll never happen to me,’ when it comes to online security, now’s the time to think again.

In what experts are calling a ‘cybercriminal’s dream,’ a massive data breach has just exposed the login details of over 184 million major online accounts—including some belonging to government officials across 29 countries, Australia included.

If you use any of these platforms, it’s time to take action—immediately.


The breach was discovered by cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, who stumbled upon a staggering 47 gigabytes of sensitive data sitting on an unsecured server.

This wasn’t just any old list of emails—this database included usernames and passwords for accounts on Apple, Google, Facebook, Instagram, Microsoft, Netflix, PayPal, Roblox, Discord, and more.

Even more alarming, at least 220 of the email addresses had .gov domains, indicating that government employees from Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, and other countries were also affected by the leak.


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Login details for over 184 million Apple, Google, and other online accounts, including emails linked to government agencies worldwide, have been exposed in a massive data breach. Credit: Scyther5 / iStock


Fowler described the find as ‘one of the weirdest’ in his career, and with good reason.

The database was managed by World Host Group, a global web hosting provider, but the company claims a fraudulent user uploaded the illegal content.

The origin of the data remains a mystery. Still, the most likely culprit is a type of malware called an ‘info stealer’—a sneaky program that quietly collects your login details and sends them off to cybercriminals.


Let’s be clear—this is serious. Suppose hackers gain access to your login details. In that case, they can log into your accounts to steal personal data or money, commit fraud or unauthorised transactions, engage in identity theft, deceive your friends and family through phishing scams, or even access sensitive government or business information.

For government employees, the risks are even higher—hackers could potentially access confidential or even top-secret systems, putting national security at risk.

Don’t panic, but don’t delay, either. Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself:
  1. Change Your Passwords Immediately: If you use any of the affected platforms (Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Netflix, PayPal, Roblox, Discord, Instagram, etc.), change your passwords now. Make sure each account has a unique, strong password—no more ‘password123’ or your pet’s name
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email whenever you log in. It’s a simple step that can stop hackers in their tracks, even if they have your password.
  3. Monitor Your Accounts for Suspicious Activity: Keep an eye on your emails, banking apps, and social media for any changes or transactions you didn’t make. If you spot anything odd, contact your provider immediately.
  4. Consider Freezing Your Credit and Setting Up Fraud Alerts: For extra peace of mind, you can freeze your credit or set up fraud alerts with your bank. This makes it significantly more difficult for anyone to open new accounts in your name.
  5. Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Hackers may use your stolen details to send convincing emails or messages pretending to be you or someone you know. Always double-check before clicking on links or providing information.
While the exact method is still unclear, experts believe the data was collected using malware that infects computers and quietly steals login details.

Unlike some recent breaches that involved ‘scraping’ public information from websites, this database included actual passwords in plain text—a sign that malware was likely involved.


The server was quickly taken offline after Fowler reported the breach, but there’s no way to know how many cybercriminals accessed the data before it was shut down.

This breach comes hot on the heels of another major incident, where over a billion Facebook users had their data scraped and put up for sale on the dark web.

It’s a stark reminder that cybercrime is on the rise, and no one is immune.

Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.

Avoid reusing passwords across different sites, as this increases your risk if one account is compromised.

Make a habit of updating your passwords regularly, especially for critical accounts like email and banking.


Be wary of emails or messages that request personal information—even if they seem to come from someone familiar.

Finally, keep your devices and software updated to guard against the latest security threats.

If you’re worried your details might be among the 184 million exposed, you can check your email address on sites like Have I Been Pwned.

If your email shows up in a breach, follow the steps above right away.

Stay safe out there, and remember: when it comes to online security, a little caution goes a long way!
Key Takeaways
  • A massive data breach has exposed login details for over 184 million Apple, Google, and other online accounts, including emails linked to government agencies worldwide, Australia among them.
  • Experts say this breach is a major cyber security risk, with stolen usernames and passwords that could be used for identity theft, fraud, or even national security threats.
  • The exposed data was discovered by a researcher in a public server run by World Host Group, with suspicions the dataset was compiled using malware called infostealer.
  • Aussies are urged to immediately change their passwords for affected platforms, enable Two-Factor Authentication, monitor accounts for suspicious activity, and consider placing fraud alerts on their banking and credit accounts.
Have you ever been the victim of a data breach or online scam? What steps do you take to keep your accounts safe? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your advice could help a fellow member avoid becoming the next victim.
 

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I use Bitwarden app on my phone and a Bitwarden plugin in Firefox browser. They are both linked and sync so if you change a password for any reason the other device is updated. It has a password generator which you can set the level of security and a autofill feature for the stored websites you visit. It's worth a look at to see all the features. It's free and I'm not getting a handout for posting this :)
 
Why is it that SDC is the only media outlet reporting this?
Maybe SDC should be giving us their source of information to confirm this..
Orisitsimply another SDC scaremongering story..
If this was true it would be a serious breach and would be being reported via ALL news media..
Blame it on the myriad of viruses running around.

Maybe the latest COVID-19 variant is the culprit.... :ROFLMAO:
 
  • Haha
Reactions: deni67
I use Bitwarden app on my phone and a Bitwarden plugin in Firefox browser. They are both linked and sync so if you change a password for any reason the other device is updated. It has a password generator which you can set the level of security and a autofill feature for the stored websites you visit. It's worth a look at to see all the features. It's free and I'm not getting a handout for posting this :)
Let's hope your program doesn't turn out to be Osama Binwarden ...
 
I checked the site recommended and was told my email had been affected. Didn't think it had as all sites mentioned where email had been compromised were ones I have never used.
The operative words in the story about various sites being affected included "and more". Did you see that?
Know what it means?
 
I’ve had numerous notifications of being on the dark web, but usually w old passwords I no longer use. So I didn’t bother w them as I either no longer use that website, and no longer use that password.
But today I found one instance of a new password being listed!
Are we supposed to hv a different password for every website / account we use?
How will we remember those- without creating a Directory - like an Address Book - to remember them?
That is exactly what you should do, one password per site. You can make up the most ridiculous password you like using lower case upper case and symbols and numbers. A whole mix of that lot, but be sure to keep a record and not in your computer.
 
I’ve had numerous notifications of being on the dark web, but usually w old passwords I no longer use. So I didn’t bother w them as I either no longer use that website, and no longer use that password.
But today I found one instance of a new password being listed!
Are we supposed to hv a different password for every website / account we use?
How will we remember those- without creating a Directory - like an Address Book - to remember them?
Use a password manager
 
Why is our government eagar to make our country a cashless society. Where is the logic in this when there is increasing cybercrime everyday.
I believe that only when cyber criminals can no longer find a way to hack into people's private information and accounts, should it then be the safe time to become a cashless society.
Ah... how strange it is that you never hear politicians and big CEO positioned people to have been hacked by cybercriminals. It's almost as though they are immuned or have super special pass words to their accounts that cybercriminals can not figure out.
Perhaps the politicians and big CEO people could share with us all, their super special method of creating passwords that are undetectable to cybercriminals, so that people of this country can have their hard earned money and private information safe as well. 🙏🦋
 
Is this legit I wonder? I watched nine news last night and ABC news and if this is as major as this article reports why was it not front page Breaking News story?
If all of the those platforms and SM platforms accounts login credentials are just sitting out there then changing passwords on all of them is a massive undertaking as well as freezing/canceling credit cards and bank accounts.
Australia is a popular target as our banks have the slackest security on earth.
And govt does nothing to change this as usual - big business, banks etc rarely get consequences here in Aust
 
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Because our government can't enforce penalties against overseas, unidentified criminals or the platforms they operate on.
I understand Cheezil to be saying that the organizations whose data is breached, should be responsible and accountable to the victims for inadequate security on the data they insist on collecting. Maybe mandated compensation of a five figure sum, plus full recompense for any financial loss, to each and every victim, no ifs, buts or maybes, would help them to focus on more robust security.
 
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Reactions: 7777 and steamyjack
I understand Cheezil to be saying that the organizations whose data is breached, should be responsible and accountable to the victims for inadequate security on the data they insist on collecting. Maybe mandated compensation of a five figure sum, plus full recompense for any financial loss, to each and every victim, no ifs, buts or maybes, would help them to focus on more robust security.
Easy to say but the hackers and scammers are always one step ahead of the technology designed to stop it.

Cybersecurity can only be reactive, as it is impossible to be proactive. You cannot tell the future as to what the hackers are up to.
 

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