'When 16 billion keys scatter across the black market, your crypto assets are no longer a safe, but a hacker's ATM.'
1. Nature of the Incident: This is not an ordinary leak; it's a hacker's 'arsenal'.
What was stolen?
Not just account passwords! This includes 'master keys' that can bypass logins (session tokens, cookies), and even the auto-login information you saved in Chrome. Imagine hackers accessing your email without a password; scary, right?
Where does the data come from?
Mainly from malware (like when you accidentally download cracked software) and unencrypted cloud servers from companies. Even more outrageous, some databases are directly linked to Russian cybercrime organizations, such as one containing 60 million Telegram records.
Anna's view: Don't trust clickbait like 'tech giants hacked!' This time it's a dual problem of malware on user devices + companies neglecting security. Hackers are no longer lone wolves; it's a division of labor in an industrial chain—some write malware, some set up servers, some sell data.
2. Special hazards in the cryptocurrency space: The chain reaction from 'account theft' to 'wallet draining'
Low-level risk: Exchange accounts being hacked
If you registered for Binance using Gmail, and your password is the same as your Gmail, hackers can simply 'brute force' log in and withdraw funds without negotiation! Especially users who haven't enabled 2FA are completely exposed.
Fatal mistake: Cloud backup of mnemonic phrases
Many people save their wallet mnemonic phrases in iCloud notes for convenience. What happens if your Apple account is hacked? The mnemonic phrase instantly becomes the hacker's withdrawal password. The Iranian exchange Nobitex lost $81 million because of this—this is not just a story; it's a bloody case.
Advanced phishing: Customized scams
Hackers use your browsing history (like frequenting DeFi forums) to send you a 'airdrop link' that looks identical to a real project. Once you enter your private key? Your assets evaporate instantly.
Anna complains: People always ask me 'Is a cold wallet worth the hassle?'—After reading this news, do you think it's worth it? Laziness = working for hackers!
3. Self-rescue Guide: Don't panic, but do these three things immediately!
Changing passwords? Not enough! You must use 'unique passwords for each site.'
Use a password manager to generate random passwords (like xT9!kP9qL#) for each website separately. Stop asking 'How do I remember them?'—it's okay not to remember!
Don't use SMS for 2FA anymore! Upgrade to a hardware key.
SMS verification codes can be intercepted via SIM card hacks! Buy a YubiKey physical key (about ¥300), which must be plugged into your computer to log in, leaving hackers helpless from afar.
Mnemonic phrase: Get off the cloud immediately!
Store it in a fireproof safe, or split it into three parts and give them to trusted friends. Remember: storing private keys online = spreading cash all over your living room floor. Check for leaks: Have I Been Pwned? Enter your email to see if you've been compromised.
Password management: Bitwarden (free), 1Password (great experience)
Final reminder
Among the 16 billion credentials leaked by hackers, there must be one that belongs to you—either spend 10 minutes strengthening your defenses now, or spend 10 years lamenting 'if only...'. Engage in the comments: Have you ever fallen for an account theft scam? Share your defense strategies for a chance to win a YubiKey hardware key!
(Follow Anna to avoid pitfalls on the road to wealth)