Over 250 million individual identities divulged in a colossal data breach, referred to as the 'Massive Data Leak'
In a concerning turn of events, more than 250 million personal identities have been leaked online, potentially putting citizens from at least seven countries at risk. The leaked data includes names, addresses, dates of birth, emails, phone numbers, and national identity numbers.
The government-level identity profiles were leaked via three misconfigured servers hosted on IP addresses registered in Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. However, the databases leaked appear to have the same structure and naming conventions, suggesting a possible common source, although it was not possible to definitively say who was running the servers.
Google has confirmed that a Gmail data breach warning circulating online is fake news. Meanwhile, Forbes reports that Google has issued a critical update for all 2.5 billion Gmail users, though the reason for the update was not specified.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has issued a warning advising Windows users to change their browser from Google Chrome, but no reason for the warning was given. The tech giant has also offered a free update to Windows users, though the purpose of the offer remains unclear.
In light of these incidents, it's increasingly important to maintain personal security, especially when it comes to sensitive account access. It's recommended to use passkeys that can't leak online for added protection.
Regular checks with credit reference agencies are also advised to ensure that accounts and new applications in your name are all legitimate. Users from affected countries should be wary of emails and phone calls over the coming weeks, and should check for any new accounts set up in their names.
It's worth noting that Cyber News contacted the hosting entity, and the data is no longer publicly accessible. In a separate report, Forbes mentions that millions of iPhone and Android users are getting surprise refunds, but no further details about the refunds or their cause were provided.
Despite the leaks, it's important to remember that once your data has gone, it's gone. This underscores the importance of maintaining personal security and taking proactive measures to protect your personal information.
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