Over 250 Million Personal Records Exposed in Massive Global Data Breach

• A major personal data leak has exposed information for over 250 million individuals online. The leaked data reportedly includes names, addresses, dates of birth, emails, phone numbers, and even national identity numbers, providing attackers with enough details for identity theft and fraud.

Cyber News reports that citizens from at least seven countries could be affected, including Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The leaked data appears to come from three misconfigured servers, hosted on IP addresses registered in Brazil and the UAE. Experts say the databases shared similar structures, hinting they may originate from the same source, though the exact owner remains unknown.

The good news is that the hosting entity has been contacted, and the data is no longer publicly accessible. However, there’s no way for individuals to check whether their personal information was included in the leak. Given the scale, it’s essential to stay alert to suspicious emails, phone calls, or attempts to open accounts in your name over the coming weeks.

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This leak highlights how vulnerable personal information is online. From identity theft to password leaks, it’s increasingly difficult to control access to your data. Once personal information is exposed, it can be nearly impossible to fully remove from the internet.

To protect yourself, experts recommend:

• Using passkeys or password managers to reduce the risk of leaks.

• Regularly monitoring credit reports for unauthorized accounts or applications.

• Being cautious with unsolicited emails and calls, especially those requesting personal details.

• Enabling two-factor authentication on all sensitive accounts.

• Limiting the amount of personal information shared online, including on social media.

By taking proactive steps, you can reduce the risk of identity theft and stay ahead of potential threats.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my data was part of the leak?

Currently, there is no public tool to verify if you were affected. Stay vigilant for unusual account activity.

2. Which countries are affected by this identity leak?

At least seven countries: Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

3. What should I do if I suspect my identity was stolen?

Immediately contact your bank, credit agencies, and change passwords on critical accounts. Monitor for unauthorized transactions or account activity.

4. Are passkeys really safer than traditional passwords?

Yes. Passkeys use cryptographic security and cannot be easily leaked or reused like passwords, making them a safer option.

5. How can I protect my personal information online?

Use strong passwords or passkeys, enable two-factor authentication, limit sharing of personal info, and regularly monitor credit and bank statements.