Security expert Troy Hunt has just added a huge new set of data to the database. I was banned a database containing 183 million new email accounts with leaked login information. It was compiled using Synthient, a security product that helps detect and block attackers on platforms. (“I was punished” is a great way stay updated on the latest data leaks!)
According to HIBP Announcement Postthe data includes email addresses and their corresponding passwords, as well as all websites on which they were entered. Data were cleaned before inclusion in the database to ensure that only unique hits were included (i.e., there were no duplicate entries).
This brings the total number of accounts that have been “hacked” (that is, suffered from verifiable data breaches) to more than 15.3 billion. Yes.
Where did the data come from?
Access data has been intercepted so-called infostealerswhich are malware that is installed on various systems for the sole purpose of collecting sensitive data and passwords. They are then either given directly to hackers, who can use them for phishing campaigns and fraud attempts, or sold online.
In some cases, this results in the creation of huge data sets containing the access data of millions of people. Often these people are unaware of this unless they become the victim of a targeted attack soon after, or regularly check to see if their data is included in new data breaches.
How to check if you are affected
You can check at Website “I was punished” whether you were affected by one of the data breaches. Simply enter your email address and you will be directly informed if your account has been compromised.
Not only will you see which data breaches affected you, but also exactly what data was involved in each breach. If HIBP reports that your login information has been compromised, you should immediately change the passwords of the affected accounts, as well as all accounts that use the same passwords or are otherwise associated with the compromised accounts.
If you need more information or would like to be notified every time your email address is compromised, you can register for HIBP here.
Further reading: How to check if your SSN has been leaked
