Search Your Email: HOTMAIL 258K Exposed 247,789 Accounts

HEROIC analysts identified this stealer log on 28-Feb-2023. The breach exposed 247,789 records, with stolen data including email addresses, plaintext passwords, and URLs. The source is identified as HOTMAIL 258K uploaded by a Telegram User.

Why This Is Dangerous

This breach contains plaintext passwords, meaning the passwords were captured in their original form without any encryption. Attackers can use these credentials directly to attempt logins on Hotmail and any other service where victims reuse the same password. The URLs included in the data also reveal which websites victims were visiting, giving attackers additional targets for account takeover.

What Was Exposed

• Email Addresses
• Plaintext Passwords
• URLs

Why This Matters

When email credentials are exposed in plaintext, attackers can immediately attempt to log in to your email account. Access to an email account can be used to reset passwords on banking sites, social media platforms, and other services, leading to widespread account takeover. Victims may face identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to personal communications.

How Stealer Logs Work

Stealer logs are created by malware called an information stealer or infostealer. This software is typically installed on a victim's computer through a phishing email, a malicious download, or a compromised website. Once installed, it quietly records login credentials as the user types them, captures saved passwords from browsers, and collects other sensitive data. That information is then sent to criminals who compile it into log files and distribute them through dark web marketplaces and private Telegram channels.

Check If You Are Affected

HEROIC offers a free breach scanner that searches 400 billion records. Search your email address now to find out if your credentials appear in this breach or others. Free, takes seconds.