If you also use the same password everywhere, then this news will give you sleepless nights.

News India Live, Digital Desk: We all live in the internet world – Facebook, Twitter (now X), LinkedIn, Gmail… our entire lives exist on these platforms. But have you ever thought what would happen if your username and password of all these places are collected at one place and given to a thief? Recently, something similar has happened, which is considered to be the biggest and most dangerous data leak in the history till now.

Cyber ​​security researchers have discovered a huge data leak that includes personal information of more than 26 billion (2,600 crore) accounts. This leak was detected due to its size and seriousness. “Mother of all Breaches – MOAB” The name has been given.

This is not a new hack, but it is even more dangerous

First of all it is important to understand that this is not a new hack. In fact, it is a ‘grand-collection’ of different large data breaches that have occurred over the years. This includes stolen data from many big platforms like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Dropbox, Tencent and Weibo.

Hackers have collected the data from all these old leaks in one place and created a ‘super-leak’, which includes emails, passwords and other personal information of billions of people.

Why is this so dangerous for you?

The biggest reason for this is a common and very dangerous habit of ours – Using the same password everywhere.

Just imagine, if your 5 year old LinkedIn password is included in this leak, and you still use the same password for your Gmail, Facebook or NetBanking, then it will become child’s play for hackers to open all your accounts.

Using this data, hackers:

• Your social media accounts can be hacked.
• Identity theft can be committed in your name.
• Your personal information can be stolen by hacking your email.
• May try to access your bank accounts.

So what should you do now? (Don’t be afraid, be careful)

This news is scary, but instead of getting scared, you should immediately take some important steps so that you can stay safe.

1. Change your passwords immediately: The first and most important thing! Change the passwords of all your important accounts, especially email, netbanking and social media.
2. Different password for each account: Make it a rule from now on that you will use a different and strong password for every website. To remember the password, you can take the help of a good password manager app.
3. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA): This is an additional layer of security. After turning it on, even if someone knows your password, he will not be able to log in without the OTP or code received on your phone. Be sure to activate it on your Gmail, Facebook, Instagram.
4. Beware of fake emails and messages: Hackers can use this leaked data to send you fake emails (phishing) which will look real. Do not click on any unknown link or give your personal information to anyone.

Online security is no longer an option, but a necessity. A little caution on your part can save you from a big fraud.