Russia Urges Citizens to Regularly Update Passwords Amid Surge in Cyberattacks
Hackers gained access to data from nearly 40 million people in just six months
Cybercrime in Russia is accelerating at an alarming pace. In the first half of 2025 alone, hackers breached the personal data of almost 40 million Russian citizens, according to the national communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor. The agency reports 35 major data leaks, compromising everything from phone numbers to email addresses. Unlike previous years, today's cybercriminals are targeting a broader range of platforms—including banks, e-commerce sites, and entertainment services.
In response, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) is sounding the alarm and pushing for stronger personal cybersecurity. The recommendation: update your passwords at least once every three months, especially for critical accounts like email, banking apps, and social media. If news breaks of a data breach involving a service you use, change your password immediately.
The ministry also advises using online tools to test password strength before setting a new one. Predictable combinations like “123456” or a birthdate can be cracked in seconds by automated hacking software.
As digital threats grow more sophisticated and more frequent, these practices are no longer optional—they’re essential. In the battle against cybercrime, a strong password might be your first and last line of defense.
