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Password Data Leaks: Why They Happen and What’s at Risk
Passwords are still among the most heavily targeted authentication methods and data leaks have become a widespread problem worldwide. In 2024 alone, over 3,150 major breaches affected 1.35 billion internet users globally. Passwords end up in data leaks when attackers exploit technical vulnerabilities, use phishing schemes or deploy malware to steal credentials. These lists of stolen passwords are often sold or published on the dark web, making affected users vulnerable to identity theft, account takeovers and financial fraud. The risks are higher for those who reuse passwords or choose weak ones. Still, nearly 80% of users don’t use unique credentials for each account.
How to Build Strong, Secure Passwords
Enhancing password security starts with creating unique, complex credentials for each account. Recommendations include:
- Minimum 16 characters
- Combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special symbols
- Avoiding personal information or simple patterns
Password managers help generate and store strong credentials. However, security experts increasingly recommend considering passwordless approaches like passkeys, which rely on device-based biometric authentication and are immune to most forms of credential theft.
Immediate Actions: Responding to a Data Breach
If you receive a security alert that your password has appeared in a data leak, prompt action is crucial:
- Change the Compromised Password Update your password immediately for the affected service. If you use the same password elsewhere, change those too.
- Avoid Simple Variations Do not just add a number or symbol to your old password. Attackers commonly try these patterns.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Activating MFA adds a vital extra security layer. Even if a password is compromised, attackers will struggle to access your accounts without the second factor.
- Freeze Your Credit if Needed For incidents involving sensitive or financial data, consider contacting the major credit bureaus to freeze your credit. This prevents unauthorized new accounts from being opened in your name.
- Monitor Accounts Regularly Watch for unusual activity, especially in high-value accounts like banking or email. Use tools such as Google Password Checkup and dark web monitoring services to find out if your credentials circulate online.
Upgrading Security: The Shift Toward Passwordless Authentication
Traditional passwords remain a weak link due to human error and automation by cybercriminals. An effective long-term strategy is moving to passwordless authentication, like passkeys. These use device-based cryptography and biometric verification (such as Face ID or fingerprint), making them resistant to attacks that affect conventional passwords. Passkey adoption is growing among leading tech companies, offering improved user experience and a much stronger baseline for account security.
Why Monitoring and Proactive Measures Matter
Given the rise in sophisticated cyberattacks (up 47% in early 2025), proactive defenses are essential. Regularly auditing passwords, adopting MFA, monitoring accounts and staying informed about emerging threats can significantly reduce the likelihood of account compromise.
Conclusion: Quick, Informed Action is Critical
Data breaches are an unfortunate reality in today’s digital world. Immediate response, such as changing passwords, enabling MFA and monitoring accounts, is essential if your credentials leak online. Looking ahead, consider transitioning to passkeys for enhanced security, reliability and peace of mind.
Find out more about password security best practices and how to protect yourself with modern authentication methods at https://www.corbado.com/blog/password-appeared-in-dataleak.
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