A major credential database known as ANTIPUBLIC has resurfaced on dark web forums, with a threat actor offering it for sale. The database reportedly contains 6.56 billion records in URL:login:password format, totalling 382 GB of data.
What’s even more concerning is that this collection has allegedly been built up over the past 23 to 25 years, compiled from a combination of public data breaches, private cloud leaks, and exposed log files.
What is ANTIPUBLIC?
ANTIPUBLIC is one of the largest credential databases in circulation among cybercriminals. It’s essentially a massive collection of usernames and passwords stolen from decades of data breaches.
While versions of ANTIPUBLIC have been floating around in underground forums for years, it continues to be repackaged, updated, and sold, making it a persistent and evolving threat. The sheer volume of credentials—ranging from personal email accounts to business logins—makes it a prime resource for attackers.
What Do Hackers Do With This Data?
Hackers use credential databases like ANTIPUBLIC to carry out a range of cyberattacks, including:
- Credential Stuffing: Automating login attempts on websites and systems using the stolen username-password combinations.
- Account Takeovers: Gaining unauthorised access to personal and business accounts.
- Phishing Campaigns: Using known credentials to craft convincing phishing emails that trick users into clicking malicious links.
How Long Can Hackers Use This Data?
One of the biggest myths about data breaches is that old credentials lose their value over time. In reality, stolen data can circulate indefinitely.
Attackers continuously test old credentials on new platforms, banking on the fact that many people reuse passwords or leave old accounts unattended. This means a breach from 10 years ago could still be a vulnerability today—especially if passwords were never changed.
Why Individuals Must Stay Vigilant
Every time a database like ANTIPUBLIC resurfaces, the risk to individuals and businesses increases.
- You might not even know your credentials are exposed.
- Hackers only need one working password to cause damage.
- Even dormant accounts can be re-activated by attackers to launch further attacks.
Staying aware of breaches and acting quickly when your data is exposed is critical to preventing identity theft, fraud, or corporate account takeovers.
How DynaRisk’s Dark Web Monitoring Protects Your Customers
DynaRisk’s Dark Web monitoring continuously scan underground marketplaces, forums, and hacker channels for exposed credentials linked to your customers’ data.
When we detect a match, your customers receive an immediate alert, allowing them to:
- Reset their password before attackers can exploit it.
- Take swift action to prevent account takeovers and data breaches.
This real-time visibility is essential for staying ahead of cybercriminals.
Reducing Insurance Claims Through Proactive Alerts
For insurers, embedding DynaRisk’s monitoring tools within policies provides a layer of proactive risk management. By alerting policyholders to compromised credentials early, we help prevent:
- Fraudulent transactions.
- Data breaches.
- Costly cyber insurance claims.
This not only protects policyholders but also improves loss ratios and supports the long-term viability of cyber insurance products.
The resurfacing of ANTIPUBLIC is a stark reminder that stolen data doesn’t disappear; it lingers and remains valuable to attackers for years. Staying ahead requires a combination of vigilance, proactive monitoring, and swift action when breaches occur.
With DynaRisk’s intelligence-led monitoring, you can stay informed, act early, and significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks impacting you or your business.
Find out more by booking a demo with our team.