16 Billion Passwords Leaked: What It Means & How to Stay Secure

A recent report from cybersecurity outlet Cybernews revealed that over 16 billion compromised login credentials are now circulating online.

This isn’t the result of a single breach — these credentials were collected over time through multiple data breaches and information-stealing malware attacks, creating an unprecedented security risk for both individuals and businesses.

Even major platforms like Google, Facebook, Apple, and others are affected. Even if your business wasn’t directly targeted, password reuse across accounts could leave you vulnerable.

 

🚨 Why Password Security Is More Critical Than Ever

You wouldn’t use the same key for your house, car, and office — but many people do exactly that with passwords.

According to KnowBe4, a leading security awareness training provider, weak or reused passwords remain one of the top entry points for cyberattacks.

With billions of credentials readily available on the dark web, cybercriminals can easily automate attacks, and far too often, those attacks succeed.

 

✅ 5 Key Steps to Protect Your Business Today

As your Managed Service Provider (MSP), we’re here to help you stay secure. Below are five essential actions you can take right now:

 

📲 1. Enable Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA)

  • Adds a second layer of protection to your accounts

  • Even if your password is stolen, attackers can’t log in without your phone or device

Multi-Factor Authentication is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

 

🔑 2. Use a Password Manager (like LastPass)

  • Create strong, unique passwords for every site

  • Store them securely in one place

  • Share access safely across your team without revealing actual passwords

Password managers help eliminate the need for risky habits like reusing passwords or writing them down.

 

🧠 3. Train Your Team on a Regular Basis

  • Training is not “one and done” – it should be ongoing (at least monthly or quarterly)

  • Helps your team identify phishing and social engineering tactics

  • Builds awareness of real-world risks tied to password misuse

  • Creates a culture of stronger, more consistent security habits

Cybersecurity training is one of the most overlooked, yet powerful, defenses against human error.

 

🛡️ 4. Review Your Password Policies

  • Are your team’s passwords long and complex enough to avoid brute-force attacks?

  • Are default passwords still active on apps or devices?

  • Let us help you strengthen and enforce effective password policies throughout your organization

Strong policies can prevent small oversights from turning into major vulnerabilities.

 

📋 5. Schedule a Security Review

  • Not sure where your vulnerabilities are?

  • Your Account Manager can walk you through key risks and action steps

A regular security review ensures your team isn’t overlooking any hidden threats, and it helps align your tools and policies with current best practices.

 

🔒 The Bottom Line

This isn’t just another breach. With 16 billion stolen credentials now in circulation, the internet has become a much riskier place, and the cost of inaction is only rising.

Strong passwords aren’t enough on their own. Without layered protection and consistent training, even one mistake by an employee can open the door to a serious attack.

The good news? You don’t have to face these threats alone. As your MSP, we’re here to help you take the guesswork out of cybersecurity and build stronger habits that last.

 

📞 Need Help? Let’s Talk.

Not sure how secure your team’s password practices are? Need help setting up MFA or rolling out password managers, such as LastPass?

Contact us today — we’re here to help you stay one step ahead of these growing cybersecurity threats.