180 million user accounts compromised: Passwords, sensitive data stolen

A global data leak has affected users of major companies including Google, Facebook, and Apple. The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCCERT) has issued an advisory regarding the breach, reported 24NewsHD TV on Monday.

Accounts of users on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, as well as government portals, have also been compromised. The advisory warns Pakistani users to immediately change their account passwords.

The data leak has raised concerns over identity theft, account hacking, and ransomware attacks. There is also the risk that government and financial accounts may have been affected.

The advisory further states that user information remains publicly accessible on general websites, urging users to enable two-factor authentication on their accounts.

Sensitive information has been stolen through malware and stored in databases. The advisory recommends Pakistani users to use password managers and to never store passwords in emails or unsecured files.

It has been urged that organizations affected by this breach should immediately inform impacted users.

Reporter Waqas Azeem