The Biggest Data Breach Hasn't Happened Yet; Here's Why You Need to Change Your Passwords
- Megan Shanholtz
- 16 minutes ago
- 4 min read
On June 18th Cybernews dropped what turned out to be a bombshell of an article “16 billion passwords exposed in record-breaking data breach, opening access to Facebook, Google, Apple, and any other service imaginable”. This headline raised the alarm over a supposed data breach that allegedly exposed 16 billion passwords; a number so staggering it’s easy to feel like your personal information must already be out in the open. This led to a flurry of panic inducing, sensationalized articles in the non-tech press. But here is the truth: this is not the story you are being told. Reading the original report and analysis of the “data breach” that made headlines is not a single, new event. It is a compilation of 30 separate datasets, some overlapping, some dating back years. I am not downplaying the incredible work done by the researchers at Cybernews, but rather calling out the media that has amplified and sensationalized this revelation.
While the numbers are shocking, the reality is more nuanced, and the message is clear: you still need to take action to protect your online identity. The Cybernews researchers have been scanning the Internet closely throughout 2025 and discovered these data sources referenced in the article. What we all need to understand is this data has been in the open, available for hackers and bad actors to use. Should we care if it has been there in the open? Absolutely. This should be your wake-up call.
Why This Actually Matters
While the numbers are large and, according to Cybernews, the largest collection in history, the real issue is not the scale of the leak. It is the fact that many people still reuse the same passwords across multiple accounts.
Even if the 16 billion passwords are old or duplicated, the problem remains: account compromises are real, and they affect people every day. Here is why:
Password Reuse is Common
Studies show that 78% of people use the same password for multiple accounts. If one of those accounts was compromised in a past breach, the same password could give hackers access to your email, bank account, or even your social media.
Hackers Sell and Reuse Stolen Data
Cybercriminals often buy stolen passwords on the dark web and try them on other platforms. Even if your password was not part of the original breach, it could be used now.
Old Breaches Can Still Be Dangerous
If you reuse or have not changed your passwords in years, the same password you used in 2015 might still be active on a site you use today scraped from a long-abandoned website.
What You Need to Do: A Simple Checklist
The good news is that you don’t need to panic, but you do need to take action. Here is what to do, step by step:
Change Your Passwords
Start with the accounts you use most: email, banking, and social media. Even if you think your password is secure, it is better to update it now.
Use a password manager: Tools like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass can generate unique, complex passwords for each of your accounts. They will also store them securely, so you do not have to remember them all. There are also free tools built into Chrome and Apple iOS that can manage your passwords as well.
Avoid simple passwords: Skip anything based on your name, birthdate, or common words. Go for a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) encourages longer passwords length over a short “complex” password. (e.g., “MyS3cut1ty1SGr3@t!2025”)
Check for Reused Passwords
If you are using the same password across multiple sites, you are at greater risk. A quick search online can help you find out if your password has been leaked in past breaches. Tools like Have I Been Pwned let you check if your email or password has appeared in any known data breaches.
Delete Old Accounts You No Longer Use
You might have old email accounts or social media profiles from years ago. If you are not using them anymore, delete them. The fewer accounts you have, the fewer places your information can be exposed.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This adds an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker has your password, they will need a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) to access your account. Most major services (like Google, Facebook, and banks) offer 2FA. This creates a barrier for hackers. Without your 2FA token the password is very little value. It is important to note there are several forms of 2FA; Short Message Service (SMS) better known as a text message, Fast IDentity Online (FIDO), and Authenticator apps to name a few.
The overall advantage to your security using 2FA significantly outweighs the disadvantages any of the technologies present.
Stay Vigilant
Keep an eye out for phishing attempts and suspicious activity. Educating yourself about common security threats can significantly lower your risk.
Why This Isn't the End of the World
This is not a new, massive breach. It is a reminder that password security is a long-term habit, not a one-time fix. The numbers are big, but the solution is simple: stay proactive.
You’re not the only one: Everyone, from tech experts to everyday users, has been affected by data breaches. The difference is that some people take action, and others do not.
You are in control of your security: By using a password manager, enabling 2FA, and updating your passwords regularly, you’re already ahead of the curve.
While the media might sensationalize data breaches, the reality is that the real threat comes from the habits we form online. A single reused password, a forgotten old account, or a lack of 2FA can leave your information exposed.
But here is the good news: you have control. Taking just a few minutes to update your passwords, delete old accounts, and use a password manager can make a huge difference.
Sources
Stay safe, and don't wait for the next headline to take action.
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