PayPal data leak exposes over 16 million accounts

PayPal data leak exposes over 16 million accounts - immediate steps to take

In a shocking turn of events, a dataset containing 15.8 million PayPal credentials was published and offered for sale in the darknet this week. The hacker, using the pseudonym "Chucky_BF", claimed the data was stolen on May 6, 2025. However, PayPal denies this claim and attributes the data dump to a 2022 security incident.

The leaked dataset includes login emails, plaintext passwords, and associated URLs. The structure of the data suggests it may have been harvested using infostealer malware, a type of malware known for stealing sensitive information. Some variants of this malware can erase themselves to avoid detection.

PayPal was fined $2 million by the New York State Department of Financial Services for failing to comply with state cybersecurity regulations following the 2022 security incident. In response to the latest data breach, PayPal encourages its users to reset their passwords. If the same password is reused elsewhere, updating those accounts is also advised.

For those concerned about their data being compromised, enrolling in an identity theft protection service can provide peace of mind. Such services can alert you if your data appears online, help recover funds lost to fraud, and guide you through restoring your accounts and credit.

Building a strong security hygiene is crucial in such situations. Using a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords across all apps and services can help maintain this security. Keeping the best antivirus software installed and up to date across all devices can provide additional security.

When it comes to online privacy, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can offer an extra layer of protection. Services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and Proton VPN are popular options. These services can help protect against spyware that steals photos on iPhone and Android, and they can also help bypass geographical restrictions on websites.

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and Proton VPN all offer various plans. For instance, ExpressVPN offers a 24-month plan for $4.99/month, NordVPN offers a 2-year plan for $3.39/month, Surfshark offers a 24-month plan for $1.99/month, Private Internet Access offers a 24-month plan for $2.03/month, and Proton VPN offers a 12-month plan for $3.99/month and a 24-month plan for $3.59/month.

Staying informed about such incidents is crucial. Following reliable sources like Tom's Guide on Google News can provide up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds.

AT&T could pay $7,500 to customers in a data breach settlement, and information on how to claim this is available. For the latest updates on this PayPal data breach, keep following reliable news sources.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or technical advice. Always consult with a professional before making any decisions regarding your personal data or security.

Disclaimer: This article is generated by AI and may not be completely accurate or up-to-date. Always verify information from reliable sources before making decisions.