Researchers at Cyber Press have uncovered a significant data breach involving nearly 200 million Twitter user records, totaling 9.4GB of data. This breach stands out as one of the largest exposures of user information in recent memory, raising serious concerns about user privacy and security.
The leaked data includes email addresses, names, and details from Twitter accounts, posing risks such as phishing attacks, identity theft, and social engineering schemes. Malicious actors could potentially exploit this information to compromise other accounts and systems associated with the affected email addresses.
READ MORE: Government Authorizes ISI to Monitor Communications: Right Approach?
Massive Data Leak Involves 200 Million Twitter Accounts
Reports of the breach first surfaced on a prominent hacking forum dedicated to sharing data breaches. A user named “michupa” registered a new account on July 7, 2024, specifically to release this extensive Twitter database. The data is divided into 10 files, each containing 1GB, and is publicly accessible for download.
The Cyber Press Team has verified the accuracy of several email addresses linked to the listed Twitter profiles, although the entire dataset has not yet been fully validated. The precise date of the breach remains uncertain but is believed to have occurred recently.
Details of the Leaked Data
The database files, identified by specific names, have been uploaded to cloud storage:
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.001
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.002
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.003
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.004
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.005
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.006
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.007
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.008
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.009
– Twitter_Full_b1nd.net.7z.010
Recommendations for Users and Organizations
In response to this breach, the Cyber Press Team urges immediate action to safeguard accounts and data. Here are key steps to consider:
- Change Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Promptly update Twitter account passwords and activate 2FA to enhance security measures.
- Stay Alert for Suspicious Emails or Messages: Exercise caution regarding emails or messages attempting to exploit the leaked data. Be vigilant against potential phishing attempts.
- Monitor Accounts for Unusual Activity: Regularly monitor accounts for any unusual behavior and promptly report any suspicious incidents to Twitter support.
- Enhance Data Protection Measures: Review and strengthen data protection protocols to ensure robust security measures are in place.
- Conduct Regular Security Audits: Perform routine security audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities within organizational systems.
- Educate on Phishing and Social Engineering Risks: Educate employees about the dangers associated with phishing and social engineering attacks through training sessions.
Twitter’s Response and Continued Monitoring
The Cyber Press Team has notified Twitter about the data breach and awaits their response. This incident underscores the critical need for strong cybersecurity practices and continuous vigilance in light of ongoing data breaches.
Cyber Press will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available. It is essential for both users and organizations to remain informed and proactive in safeguarding their digital assets against evolving threats.
