Fact Check: "16 billion login credentials leaked online, double Earth's population!"
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that approximately 16 billion login credentials have been leaked online, compiled from various datasets. This staggering number includes user passwords from major platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Apple. According to researchers at Cybernews, the leaked data consists of 30 exposed datasets, which implies that many users may have had credentials for multiple accounts compromised. The total of 16 billion is notably double the current global population, which further emphasizes the scale of this breach (CBS News, Forbes).
The leaked credentials did not originate from a single breach but rather from multiple incidents over time. Cybernews suggests that various types of malware, specifically infostealers, were likely responsible for the theft of this sensitive information. These infostealers infiltrate victims' devices to extract personal data (CBS News, Forbes).
Analysis
The claim that 16 billion login credentials have been leaked is supported by multiple credible sources, including major news outlets like CBS News and Forbes. Both sources report on the findings from Cybernews, which is recognized for its cybersecurity research. The mention of the number being roughly double the Earth's population is accurate, as current estimates place the global population at around 8 billion.
While the sources confirm the scale of the leak, they also note that the figure includes many duplicates, making it difficult to ascertain the exact number of unique individuals affected. This nuance is important because it suggests that while the number of credentials is exceptionally high, the actual number of impacted users may be lower than the total count (CBS News, Forbes).
The reliability of the sources is bolstered by their established reputations in reporting on technology and cybersecurity issues. Cybernews, as cited in these reports, has a history of providing accurate and timely information regarding data breaches.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that 16 billion login credentials have been leaked online, which is approximately double the Earth's population, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. While the total number is inflated by duplicates, the scale of the breach is significant and highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in cybersecurity practices.
