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“Mother Of All Breaches” Exposes 26 Billion Data Records
The files encompass a massive 12 terabytes of personal information from various sources, including Adobe, Canva, and X.
An extensive database consisting of a staggering 26 billion meticulously curated and reindexed data records has recently appeared on an unprotected online platform. This dataset, referred to by experts as the “Mother of all Breaches” (MOAB), encompasses an astonishing 12 terabytes of personal information sourced from various websites, including several big industry names:
- X (281 million)
- Tencent QQ (1.5 billion)
- Adobe (153 million)
The repository of sensitive data encompasses usernames and passwords from tools like Canva to government records from the United States, Brazil, Turkey, Germany, and more.
The discovery of the data trove is down to the diligent efforts of Bob Dyachenko, a cybersecurity researcher and the proprietor of SecurityDiscovery.com, along with the collaborative work of the Cybernews team, who have been investigating its origins.
The research community believes that the owner has a vested interest in storing large amounts of data and could be a malicious actor, data broker, or other large-scale service with the capability to mine massive volumes of data.
The sheer magnitude of the records alone is cause for profound concern. The MOAB is probably the largest “compilation of multiple breaches” (COMB). Enough to arm malicious entities with abundant ammunition to carry out “identity theft, sophisticated phishing schemes, and targeted cyberattacks,” according to Dyachenko.
A faint silver lining of the breach is the confirmation that a significant portion of the records are outdated. Primarily, the MOAB is an amalgamation of prior breaches and leaks, albeit with numerous duplications.
Also Read: The Largest Data Breaches In The Middle East
With that being said, experts also warn that many people use the same passwords across services like Netflix and Gmail, allowing attackers to use the information from MOAB to breach more sensitive accounts.
The full extent and implications of the “Mother Of All Breaches” remain undetermined. The immediate priority lies in uncovering the source and motivation behind this colossal data repository. In the interim, it’s vital to ensure you haven’t used the same password across multiple services or, at the very least, to periodically change those in use.
News
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
The collaboration will be especially helpful in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inconsistent.
PayPal has teamed up with TerraPay to improve cross-border payments across the Middle East and Africa. The move is designed to make it easier and faster for users to send and receive money internationally, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or inconsistent.
The partnership connects PayPal’s digital payments ecosystem with TerraPay’s global money transfer network. The goal is to streamline real-time transfers between banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, significantly improving access for millions of users looking to move money securely and efficiently.
Through the partnership, users will be able to link their PayPal accounts to local banks and mobile wallets using TerraPay’s platform. This means faster transactions and fewer barriers for individuals and businesses across the region.
“The Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of the digital transformation, yet financial barriers still limit growth for many,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “At PayPal, we’re committed to changing that […] Together, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity and build a more connected, inclusive financial future”.
For TerraPay, the deal is a chance to scale its reach while reinforcing its mission of frictionless digital transactions.
“Our mission at TerraPay is to create a world where digital transactions are effortless, secure, and accessible to all,” said Ani Sane, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at TerraPay. He added that the partnership is a major milestone for enhancing financial access in the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses grow and users move funds with fewer limitations.
Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East
The integration also aims to support financial inclusion in a region where access to global banking tools is still uneven. With interoperability at the core, TerraPay can bridge the gap between different financial systems — whether that’s a mobile wallet or a traditional bank — making it easier to send money, pay for services, or grow a business across borders.
As the demand for cross-border payment options continues to rise, both PayPal and TerraPay are doubling down on their commitment to provide reliable, secure, and forward-looking financial tools for the region.
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
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