It has been a rough start to the year for password security. A massive database containing 149 million stolen logins and passwords was found publicly exposed online.
The data included credentials tied to an estimated 48 million Gmail accounts, along with millions more from popular services. Cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, who discovered the database, confirmed it was not password-protected or encrypted. Anyone who found it could have accessed the data.
Here is what we know so far and what you should do next.
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A publicly exposed database left millions of usernames and passwords accessible to anyone who found it online. (Wei Leng Tay/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
What was found in the exposed database
The database contained 149,404,754 unique usernames and passwords. It totaled roughly 96 GB of raw credential data. Fowler said the exposed files included email addresses, usernames, passwords and direct login URLs for accounts across many platforms. Some records also showed signs of info-stealing malware, which silently captures credentials from infected devices.
Importantly, this was not a new breach of Google, Meta or other companies. Instead, the database appears to be a compilation of credentials stolen over time from past breaches and malware infections. That distinction matters, but the risk to users remains real.
Which accounts appeared most often
Based on estimates shared by Fowler, the following services had the highest number of credentials in the exposed database.
- 48 million – Gmail
- 17 million – Facebook
- 6.5 million – Instagram
- 4 million – Yahoo Mail
- 3.4 million – Netflix
- 1.5 million – Outlook
- 1.4 million – .edu email accounts
- 900,000 – iCloud Mail
- 780,000 – TikTok
- 420,000 – Binance
- 100,000 – OnlyFans
Email accounts dominated the dataset, which matters because access to email often unlocks other accounts. A compromised inbox can be used to reset passwords, access private documents, read years of messages and impersonate the account holder. That is why Gmail appearing so frequently in this database raises concerns beyond any single service.
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Email accounts appeared most often in the leaked data, which is especially concerning because inbox access can unlock many other accounts. (Felix Zahn/Photothek via Getty Images)
Why the exposed database creates serious security risks
This exposed database was not abandoned or forgotten. The number of records increased while Fowler was investigating it, which suggests the malware feeding it was still active. There was also no ownership information attached to the database. After multiple attempts, Fowler reported it directly to the hosting provider. It took nearly a month before the database was finally taken offline. During that time, anyone with a browser could have searched it. That reality raises the stakes for everyday users.
This was not a traditional hack or company breach
Hackers did not break into Google or Meta systems. Instead, malware infected individual devices and harvested login details as people typed them or stored them in browsers. This type of malware is often spread through fake software updates, malicious email attachments, compromised browser extensions or deceptive ads. Once a device is infected, simply changing passwords does not solve the problem unless the malware is removed.
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Researchers believe infostealing malware collected the credentials, silently harvesting logins from infected devices over time. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
How to protect your accounts after a massive password leak
This is the most important part. Take these steps even if everything seems fine right now. Credential leaks like this often surface weeks or months later.
1) Stop reusing passwords immediately
Password reuse is one of the biggest risks exposed by this database. If attackers get one working login, they often test it across dozens of sites automatically. Change reused passwords first, starting with email, financial and cloud accounts. Each account should have its own unique password. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
2) Switch to passkeys where available
Passkeys replace passwords with device-based authentication tied to biometrics or hardware. That means there is nothing for malware to steal. Gmail and many major platforms already support passkeys, and adoption is growing fast. Turning them on now removes a major attack surface.
3) Enable two-factor authentication on every account
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second checkpoint, even if a password is exposed. Use authenticator apps or hardware keys instead of SMS when possible. This step alone can stop most account takeover attempts tied to stolen credentials.
4) Scan devices for malware with strong antivirus software
Changing passwords will not help if malware is still on your device. Install strong antivirus software and run a full system scan. Remove anything flagged as suspicious before updating passwords or security settings. Keep your operating system and browsers fully updated as well.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
5) Review account activity and login history
Most major services show recent login locations, devices and sessions. Look for unfamiliar activity, especially logins from new countries or devices. Sign out of all sessions if the option is available and reset credentials right away if anything looks off.
6) Use a data removal service to reduce exposure
Stolen credentials often get combined with data scraped from data broker sites. These profiles can include addresses, phone numbers, relatives and work history. Using a data removal service helps reduce the amount of personal information criminals can pair with leaked logins. Less exposed data makes phishing and impersonation attacks harder to pull off.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
7) Close accounts you no longer use
Old accounts are easy targets because people forget to secure them. Close unused services and delete accounts tied to outdated app subscriptions or trials. Fewer accounts mean fewer chances for attackers to get in.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This exposed database is another reminder that credential theft has become an industrial-scale operation. Criminals move fast and often prioritize speed over security. The good news is that simple steps still work. Unique passwords, strong authentication, malware protection and basic cyber hygiene go a long way. Do not panic, but do not ignore this either.
