An entirely new catastrophe. Here's how to determine whether your password is one of the 244 million that were leaked globally
If you think your personal data is safe online, you are probably wrong. According to a report published by Safeonweb, more than 200 million passwords have been leaked recently and are now freely circulating on the Internet, putting many users at risk.
This data is shared openly on specialized forums, illegal platforms, and even on messaging apps like Telegram, exposing you to threats you may not have imagined. This situation poses a significant risk to your personal safety.
If you regularly use the same password for multiple services, you may inadvertently provide access to sensitive data stored in your email, social media profiles, bank accounts, and all kinds of digital services.
- What happens if your password falls into the wrong hands?
Posting your personal data, especially your email and password, publicly on the Internet poses serious risks to your privacy and security.
When a cybercriminal gains access to your password, they can immediately access all the services you regularly use: your banking app, social media, streaming platforms, online stores, and even apps where you store sensitive personal information, such as photos, private documents, or banking details.
If this happens, attackers can not only steal your personal information, but they can also use it to blackmail you, impersonate you, or use your personal data to commit fraud, among other techniques. They can also harm you professionally by accessing company emails or confidential business information.
This is why cybersecurity experts advise acting immediately. The Belgian digital security organization Safeonweb has warned all users of the importance of checking as soon as possible whether their personal data is included in this latest leak.
To do this, you can use free tools like Have I Been Pwned , a site that allows you to enter your email address to quickly check if your personal data has been compromised and is being traded on the dark web.
If, after performing this check, you discover that your data has been leaked, you must act immediately.
- Change all your passwords immediately. The first step is to create new, strong, and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using common words or easy combinations. It is recommended to use a long sequence of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols to increase its difficulty and resistance to future cyber attacks.
- Enable two-step verification (2FA): This method adds an extra layer of security, as in addition to entering your password, you must verify access using a code sent to your mobile phone or through apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. This greatly reduces the chances of unauthorized access to your accounts.
- Limit the amount of personal information you share online. Before signing up for any platform or web service, ask yourself whether you really need to share data such as your address, phone number, or bank account details. Remember, the less you share your data online, the less likely it is to be leaked or fall into the hands of cybercriminals.
- Use a password manager: Tools like LastPass, 1Password, or Dashlane allow you to store all your passwords encrypted and automatically create combinations. This means you only need to remember one master key, which simplifies your life and greatly reduces the risk of further data breaches or loss.
- Don't share your passwords with anyone. Although it may seem safe to share them with family or friends, doing so increases the chances of this information falling into the wrong hands.
If you forget your password or are unable to access these settings, please immediately contact technical support for the affected service to regain your access by safely recovering your account.
Experts advise being wary of suspicious emails and messages, so do not click on links or download attachments from unknown senders. These messages may contain malware or links to phishing sites that are trying to steal your data. It is important to keep your data safe, so you should follow the recommendations.