Millions of Gmail users have been warned after a major cyberattack exposed around 183 million email accounts worldwide. The shocking data leak includes not only email addresses but also the passwords believed to be linked to those logins.
Experts warn that the breach could allow hackers to gain access not only to Gmail inboxes but also to other services linked to the same credentials. Many users rely on their Gmail accounts to log in to social media, online banking, and shopping platforms, which increases the potential impact.
The data breach first occurred in April this year but was only recently highlighted by Have I Been Pwned, a trusted website that monitors data leaks. Troy Hunt, the site’s founder, confirmed that the exposed information came from a much larger hack compiled from multiple online sources.
Users are strongly urged to check if their details are among the compromised accounts. The Have I Been Pwned website allows anyone to search their email addresses to see if they have been affected. The platform has already recorded over 917 separate breaches and tracked more than 15 billion exposed accounts.
Those affected should immediately change their Gmail password and enable two-factor authentication. This extra security step requires a second form of verification before granting access, reducing the risk of hackers breaking in.
Google has reassured users that its advanced security tools automatically choose the most effective verification methods to protect against hijackers.
