Technology

183 million email passwords leaked: Check yours now

Published

5 hours ago

October 30, 2025

183 million email passwords leaked: Check yours now

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A massive online leak has exposed more than 183 million stolen email passwords gathered from years of malware infections, phishing campaigns and older data breaches. Cybersecurity experts say it is one of the largest compilations of stolen credentials ever discovered.

Security researcher Troy Hunt, who runs the website Have I Been Pwned, found the 3.5-terabyte dataset online. The credentials came from infostealer malware and credential stuffing lists. This malware secretly collects usernames, passwords and website logins from infected devices.

Researchers say the data contains both old and newly discovered credentials. Hunt confirmed that 91% of the data had appeared in previous breaches, but about 16.4 million email addresses were completely new to any known dataset.

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DISCORD CONFIRMS VENDOR BREACH EXPOSED USER IDS IN RANSOM PLOT

Cyber experts uncovered a 3.5-terabyte data dump containing millions of stolen logins. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The real risk behind the password leak

The leak puts millions of users at risk. Hackers often collect stolen logins from multiple sources and combine them into large databases that circulate on dark web forums, Telegram channels and Discord servers.

If you have reused passwords across multiple sites, attackers can use this data to break into your accounts through credential stuffing. This method tests stolen username and password pairs on many different platforms.

The risk remains real for anyone using old or repeated credentials. One compromised password can unlock social media, banking and cloud accounts.

GOOGLE CONFIRMS DATA STOLEN IN BREACH BY KNOWN HACKER GROUP

Researcher Troy Hunt traced the leak to malware that secretly steals passwords from infected devices. (Jens Büttner/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Google responds to the reports

Google confirmed there was no Gmail data breach. In a post on X, the company stated “reports of a Gmail security breach impacting millions of users are false. Gmail’s defenses are strong, and users remain protected.”

Google clarified that the leak came from infostealer databases that compile years of stolen credentials from across the web. These databases are often mistaken for new breaches when, in fact, they represent ongoing theft activity. Troy Hunt also confirmed the dataset originated from Synthient’s collection of infostealer logs, not from a single platform or recent attack. While no new breach occurred, experts warn that leaked credentials remain dangerous because cybercriminals reuse them for future attacks.

How to check if you were exposed

To see if your email was affected, visit Have I Been Pwned. It is the first and official source for this newly added dataset. Enter your email address to find out if your information appears in the Synthient leak.

Many password managers also include built-in breach scanners that use the same data sources. However, they may not yet include this new collection until their databases update.

If your address shows up, treat it as compromised. Change your passwords immediately and turn on stronger security features to protect your accounts.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY DATA BREACH HITS 870,000 PEOPLE

The 183 million exposed credentials came from malware, phishing and old data breaches. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

9 steps to protect yourself now

Protecting your online life starts with consistent action. Each step below adds another layer of defense against hackers, malware and credential theft.

1) Change your passwords immediately

Start with your most important accounts, such as email and banking. Use strong, unique passwords with letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid predictable choices like names or birthdays.

Never reuse passwords. One stolen password can unlock multiple accounts. Each login should be unique to protect your data.

A password manager makes this simple. It stores complex passwords securely and helps you create new ones. Many managers also scan for breaches to see if your current passwords have been exposed.

Next, check whether your email has been caught in a recent credential leak. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in Breach Scanner that searches trusted databases, including the newly added Synthient data from Have I Been Pwned. It helps you find out if your email or passwords have appeared in any known leaks. If you see a match, change any reused passwords right away and secure those accounts with strong, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Turn on 2FA wherever possible. It adds a powerful second layer of defense that blocks intruders even if they have your password. You will receive a code by text, app or security key. That code ensures only you can log in to your accounts.

3) Use an identity theft service for continuous monitoring

Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. It’s a smart way to stay one step ahead of hackers.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

4) Protect your devices with strong antivirus software

Infostealer malware hides inside fake downloads and phishing attachments. A strong antivirus software scans your devices to stop threats before they spread. Keep your antivirus updated and run frequent scans. Even one unprotected device can put your whole digital life at risk.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

5) Avoid saving logins in your web browser

Browsers are convenient but risky. Infostealer malware often targets saved passwords in your web browser.

6) Keep software updated

Updates fix security flaws that hackers exploit. Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, antivirus and apps. Staying current keeps threats out.

7) Download only from trusted sources

Avoid unknown websites that offer free downloads. Fake apps and files often contain hidden malware. Use official app stores or verified company websites.

8) Review your account activity often

Check your accounts regularly for unusual logins or device connections. Many platforms show a login history. If something looks off, change your password and enable 2FA immediately.

9) Consider a personal data removal service

The massive leak of 183 million credentials shows just how far your personal information can spread and how easily it can resurface years later in aggregated hacker databases. Even if your passwords were part of an old breach, data like your name, email, phone number or address may still be available through data broker sites. Personal data removal services can help reduce your exposure by scrubbing this information from hundreds of these sites.

While no service can guarantee total removal, they drastically reduce your digital footprint, making it harder for scammers to cross-reference leaked credentials with public data to impersonate or target you. These services monitor and automatically remove your personal info over time, which gives me peace of mind in today’s threat landscape.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This leak highlights the ongoing danger of malware and password reuse. Prevention remains the best defense. Use unique passwords, enable 2FA and stay alert to keep your data safe. Visit Have I Been Pwned today to check your email and take action. The faster you respond, the better you protect your identity.

Have you ever discovered your data in a breach? What did you do next? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

Tim Cook says more AIs are coming to Apple Intelligence

Published

4 hours ago

October 30, 2025

Press Room

Tim Cook says more AIs are coming to Apple Intelligence

This isn’t the first time we’re hearing about third-party integrations, as Apple software SVP Craig Federighi said last year that the company “may look forward to doing integrations with different models like Google Gemini in the future.”

Cook also said that Apple is on track to release an AI-upgraded Siri next year, adding that “our intention is to integrate with more people over time.” Apple is “making good progress” on Siri, he added during an earnings call on Thursday.

The news comes as Apple releases its fourth quarter earnings results, which revealed that the company raked in a record $102.5 billion over the past few months, marking an eight percent increase when compared to the same time last year.

Sales from the iPhone 17 lineup likely only make up a small portion of Apple’s overall $49.03 billion in iPhone revenue. The new lineup includes the iPhone Air — Apple’s thinnest device yet — along with the upgraded iPhone 17 and 17 Pro. This year, Apple brought some features previously reserved for its Pro-level iPhones to its entry-level device, including an always-on display with ProMotion support for smoother scrolling.

Apple saw an increase in revenue across its other products, too, with $8.72 billion in revenue from Macs and $6.95 billion from iPads. Apple’s services division, which includes subscriptions to Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Fitness Plus, and Apple Arcade, ballooned to $28.8 billion.

Technology

Microsoft says it’s recovering after Azure outage took down 365, Xbox, and Starbucks

Published

23 hours ago

October 29, 2025

Press Room

Microsoft says it’s recovering after Azure outage took down 365, Xbox, and Starbucks

Starting at approximately 16:00 UTC on 29 October 2025, customers and Microsoft services leveraging Azure Front Door (AFD) may have experienced latencies, timeouts, and errors. We have confirmed that an inadvertent configuration change was the trigger event for this issue.

Affected Azure services may have included, but were not limited to:

App Service, Azure Active Directory B2C, Azure Communication Services, Azure Databricks, Azure Healthcare APIs, Azure Maps, Azure Portal, Azure SQL Database, Azure Virtual Desktop, Container Registry, Media Services, Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management, Microsoft Entra ID (Mobility Management Policy Service, Identity & Access Management, and User Management UX), Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Sentinel (Threat Intelligence), and Video Indexer.

The AFD service is now operating above 98% availability. While the majority of customers and services are mitigated or seeing strong improvement across affected regions, we are continuing to work on tail-end recovery for remaining impacted customers and services. We have revised our mitigation time and are currently tracking toward full mitigation by 00:40 UTC on 30 October 2025, though we will communicate if mitigation is achieved sooner.

Technology

AI truck system matches top human drivers in massive safety showdown with perfect scores

Published

24 hours ago

October 29, 2025

Press Room

AI truck system matches top human drivers in massive safety showdown with perfect scores

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A new safety evaluation shows the Kodiak Driver, an autonomous system from Kodiak AI, tied for the top safety score among more than 1,000 commercial fleets run by human drivers. The evaluation came from Nauto, Inc., creator of the Visually Enhanced Risk Assessment, or VERA Score. This system uses AI to measure fleet safety on a scale of 1 to 100.

The Kodiak Driver earned a remarkable score of 98. That result placed it beside the safest human fleets in Nauto’s global network. The findings sparked discussion across the trucking industry and raised new questions about the role of automation in freight transport.

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WILL AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS REPLACE DRIVERS BY 2027?

The Kodiak Driver, an autonomous trucking system powered by AI, earned a top VERA Score of 98 in a new safety evaluation. (Kodiak)

Kodiak Driver’s autonomous truck safety evaluation results

Kodiak’s VERA Score of 98 matched the highest rating among all fleets evaluated. Fleets with Nauto’s safety technology average a score of 78, while those without the technology average only 63.

The Kodiak Driver achieved perfect scores of 100 in inattentive driving, high-risk driving and traffic violations. Its lowest score, 95, came in aggressive driving. The VERA Score combines over 20 vision-based AI variables into one clear safety rating.

Nauto found that every 10-point increase in VERA Score cuts collision risk by about 21%. A near-perfect score like Kodiak’s represents a strong improvement over typical human performance on the road.

The strong results didn’t come as a surprise to Kodiak’s leadership. Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak, told CyberGuy: “Achieving the top safety score among more than 1,000 commercial fleets in Nauto’s Visually Enhanced Risk Assessment (VERA Score®) proprietary safety benchmark is a testament to the Kodiak’s focus on safety. Safety is at the foundation of everything Kodiak builds. Our core value is ‘safety first and always.’ We believe independent safety evaluations like Nauto’s help to validate what we already know: the Kodiak Driver is already among the safest drivers on American highways. They also help to establish and build public awareness around how safe our technology truly is.”

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The growing impact of AI on truck driving safety

Nauto equipped the trucks with advanced monitoring and hazard detection systems. These tools track both the driving environment and vehicle behavior in real time. Removing human factors such as distraction, fatigue and delayed reaction directly improves safety.

Burnette said in a company statement that the system “is never drowsy, never drunk, and always paying attention.” That constant awareness allows the Kodiak Driver to operate defensively and predictably, two traits linked to safe driving.

The VERA Score also gives fleets a consistent way to measure safety. Companies can now shift from reacting to crashes to preventing them.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data support the trend. U.S. commercial truck crashes dropped from more than 124,000 in 2024 to roughly 104,000 this year. Fewer crashes mean fewer fatalities and safer highways overall.

A red Kodiak self-driving semi-truck drives on a highway under a blue sky near an exit sign.

Kodiak’s self-driving trucks combine AI vision and real-time data to reduce risky behavior and improve on-road performance. (Kodiak)

THE ROAD TO PROSPERITY WILL BE PAVED BY AUTONOMOUS TRUCKING

Concerns about autonomous truck safety

Not everyone is ready to hand over the wheel to artificial intelligence. Some industry experts point out that while systems like the Kodiak Driver perform well in controlled evaluations, real-world roads can still pose unpredictable challenges. Weather, human drivers and mechanical issues remain complex variables for autonomous systems to manage.

Others worry about the impact on jobs. As AI takes on more driving responsibilities, professional drivers wonder what the shift will mean for employment and pay across the trucking industry.

Safety advocates also call for clearer regulations and public transparency.

Even supporters of the technology agree that continued oversight, testing and gradual rollout are essential. Progress is promising, but trust takes time.

AI DRONE FINDS MISSING HIKER’S REMAINS IN MOUNTAINS AFTER 10 MONTHS

What this means for you

If you work in logistics, fleet management or transportation tech, this news hits close to home. The Kodiak Driver’s near-perfect score proves that autonomous systems aren’t just catching up to human drivers; they’re starting to edge ahead in safety.

Businesses could see big gains. AI-powered safety tools help cut liability, lower costs and keep fleets running smoothly. The technology doesn’t need rest breaks or reminders to stay focused, which makes every mile more efficient.

Regulators are also paying attention. Verified data like this builds trust and clears the way for safer, wider use of autonomous trucks. It’s proof that technology can deliver real-world safety, not just promise it.

Drivers on everyday roads benefit too. Fewer crashes mean safer highways and more reliable deliveries. When trucks drive smarter, everyone shares the reward. Human drivers aren’t going anywhere soon, but AI is quickly becoming their most reliable partner. It helps prevent fatigue, distraction and those risky split-second decisions that lead to trouble.

AI-driven fleets are proving that technology and human expertise can work together to make highways safer for everyone. (PlusAI)

TESLA’S SELF-DRIVING CARS UNDER FIRE AGAIN

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Kurt’s key takeaways

This study marks a major step in redefining what safe driving means. An autonomous system equaling the best human fleets signals that automation is moving from theory to reality. Still, the shift raises questions. How soon will public trust catch up with technology? Can regulations evolve fast enough to support widespread adoption? Will drivers adapt to sharing the road with machines that never tire or lose focus? What remains certain is that safety innovation is transforming transportation. Autonomous systems like the Kodiak Driver are proving that technology and safety can move forward together.

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So here’s something to think about: If AI-driven trucks already match the safest human fleets, are we ready to let them take the wheel on our highways? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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