19 Billion Passwords Leaked

I just read about the 19 billion passwords that were leaked recently, and honestly, it’s kind of terrifying. It’s being called the largest password dump in history, and what's worse is that most of the leaked credentials were either reused or ridiculously simple. Think “123456,” “qwerty,” or just people’s names. It’s 2025, and we’re still making these same mistakes?

What really shocked me is that only about 6% of the leaked passwords were unique. The rest were repeats—used across different sites or just plain weak. Some even included stuff like “Batman” or “superman,” which sounds funny until you realize how easy those are to guess. With that much data floating around, it feels like no account is truly safe unless you're using stronger security measures.

It made me double-check all my accounts and finally switch over to a password manager (should’ve done that way sooner). I also started using two-factor authentication wherever I can. Curious to hear what tools or habits you all are using to stay protected, especially after something this big.

Hey popkorn,

You're absolutely right—this leak is a huge reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant with our online security. If you’re wondering how to tell if your password is secure or how to make it stronger, here are a few tips:

1. How to Check If Your Password Is Secure:
You can easily test your password using Trend Micro's Password Check tool. It’ll tell you if your password is vulnerable or if it’s been part of any known data breaches. You can check it out here.

2. Creating Stronger Passwords:

- Use longer passwords (at least 6 characters).

- Include a mix of numbers, symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters.

- Avoid using common words, like “password” or your name, which can be easily guessed.

- Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts.

- For even stronger passwords, try using Trend Micro’s Password Generator to create unique, hard-to-crack passwords.

3. Extra Tips for Online Security:

- Change your passwords every few months for added security.

- Set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

- Consider using a trusted password manager, like Trend Micro ID Protection, to safely store and manage your passwords.

- Protect your devices with reliable antivirus software like Trend Micro Maximum Security.

- When using public networks, a VPN can help keep your data private and secure.

For further details, you can dive into our full help center article on password security. And if you're looking for more ways to protect your privacy and identity, be sure to explore our Cybersecurity Learning Center. It’s packed with resources to help keep you safe online.