According to reports, 16 billion access data has become accessible on the Internet – an unprecedented incident. Now cyber security experts classify the incident.
The alleged huge data leak, in which 16 billion access data to “Apple, Facebook, Google and others” should have fallen into the wrong hands, is not a current security incident, according to cyber security experts. “We assume that it is older data from the data sown,” said Thomas Boele from the security specialist Check Point Software Technologies.
Previously, the US portal “Cybernews” had reported under the heading “The 16-billion entries dates that no one has ever heard of” that has been found on the network with several million up to 3.5 billion entries since the end of the year, which would add up to 16 billion access data. “Cybernews” referred to security researchers, who were not mentioned by name.
“No general all -clear”
Boele said that in this case there was no general all -clear. “But you can look at that a little cold -blooded.” On the one hand, the data is apparently relatively old. “And if users have adhered to the usual proven procedures, they can be relatively relaxed.”
The expert recommends using long, sufficiently complex passwords with large and small letters, numbers and special characters. Security can be significantly increased by the so-called doubtful authentication (2FA), in which a detail that you know (password) is combined with the possession of a device (such as a smartphone).
Password-free registration via the Passkeys procedure is also recommended. Instead of complicated passwords, users use biometry such as Face ID or Touch ID. This not only makes logins easier, but also phishing resistant and protects against cyber attacks.
Password leaks – this is how you protect yourself against it
Despite the cautious all-clear, it is important for Internet users to know how to protect yourself against password leaks: One of the simplest yet most important measures is to change your passwords regularly. This applies particularly to essential services such as email, banking or social networks. By frequently updating you make hackers access to your sensitive data. The two-factor authentication offers an additional security level. You should activate this function wherever possible. It increases the security of your accounts, since in addition to the password, another confirmation step is required.
