Cybersecurity outlet Cybernews has reported that login credentials numbering in the billions have been leaked and compiled into datasets online, thus, allowing scammers and other criminals “unprecedented access” to consumer accounts.

Cybernews researchers reported that they found 30 exposed datasets that an estimated 16 billion compromised credentials. Among those affected were the passwords of users of popular social media platforms Google, Facebook and Apple.

By estimate, 16 billion is nearly double the total population on Earth today.

This means that affected consumers have been using credentials for more than one account. Despite the security precautions on the part of netizens, they remain vulnerable to criminals operating in cyberspace.

According to Cybernews there are definitely duplicates in the data thus, “it’s impossible to tell how many people or accounts were actually exposed.”

Despite these dangers, users are still advised to continue changing passwords and avoid using the same or similar login credentials on multiple sites.

According to experts, memorizing multiple passwords, has become a challenge among users. Thus they are advised to consider using password manager or passkey.

Further, they can add multi-factor authentication which serve as a second layer of verification through the phone, email or US authenticator key.