Password Leak: On June 23, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) released a notice stating that passwords of over 16 billion Google and Apple users have been leaked.
This is one of the biggest data breaches in the country’s history and has raised major concerns among officials.
Taking this seriously, the government has issued an important advisory. It explains the risks of this leak, how scammers might misuse your data, and what safety measures you should take right away.
Google and Apple ID Leak Raises Alarm
Google and Apple IDs are now used widely—not just for accessing devices but also for logging into social media, apps, and various online services.
CERT-In recently revealed that over 16 billion usernames and passwords have been leaked, including Google and Apple credentials. This could potentially expose users to hacking and fraud.
How to Stay Safe from a Password Leak? Govt Shares Key Tips
CERT-In has shared important safety guidelines for both individuals and organizations to prevent hacking and protect online accounts.
Tips for Users:
Change Your Passwords Immediately:
The first step is to change passwords of all your online accounts without delay.
Create Strong Passwords:
Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like @, #, $) so that hackers can’t easily crack them.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
Turn on MFA through apps like Google Authenticator. This adds an extra layer of security—so even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without a second step.
Use Passkeys When Possible:
If the service allows, switch to passkeys that use biometric verification like fingerprints or face recognition. It’s much more secure than regular passwords.
Tips for Businesses and Organizations:
Apply Zero-Trust Security Model:
This model assumes no user or device is trusted by default—not even inside the network—until fully verified.
Monitor and Act on Threats Quickly:
Stay alert for any suspicious activity and respond to security threats immediately.
