July 9, 2024 – A significant data breach has been uncovered, impacting approximately 200 million users of the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Researchers at Cyber Press have disclosed that a 9.4GB database containing sensitive user information has been leaked online.

The leaked data includes email addresses, names, and other account details, exposing affected users to potential spyware and phishing attacks. Despite the gravity of the breach, X has not yet issued an official statement.

The breach was initially reported on a well-known hacking forum, where a user named “michupa” released 9.7GB of leaked data on July 7. The data, divided into 10 files of nearly 1GB each, remains available for public download. Labeled with the codename “Twitter_Full_b1nd,” the files contain the full names and account information of X users. The Cyber Press Team has verified the accuracy of some of the email addresses listed in the leak.

Leaked Twitter database files uploaded in the cloud (Source: Cyberpress.org)
Leaked Twitter database files uploaded in the cloud (Source: Cyberpress.org)

This incident highlights the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in large organizations, especially given the prevalence of recent data breaches.

The Cyber Press Team advises users and organizations to take immediate steps to protect their accounts and data:

  • Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on X accounts.
  • Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages exploiting the leaked information.
  • Monitor accounts for unusual activity and report any incidents to X support.
  • Review and enhance data protection and security measures.
  • Conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
  • Educate employees about the risks of phishing and social engineering attacks.

Cyber Press has contacted X to inform them of the breach and is awaiting a response. The organization will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information emerges.