Daily Dot reported that a Russian forum leaked nearly 5 million login credentials leaked, Google accounts included. The source indicated CNews to have first reported the database of login details. These accounts are reportedly a massive collection of email addresses and passwords that have accumulated over the years.

According to the report, Google representatives have informed the Russian media that the information discovered are "old" and "potentially out-of-date." The leak was more likely a collection of phished and hacked credentials. Much of the accounts found were already suspended or accompanied by old passwords.

A screenshot of the database was published by "tvskit" on Tuesday evening. The site is Bitcoin Security forum, a Russian portal on cryptocurrency. The publisher reportedly claims that more than 60% of the passwords were accessible. Users who speak English, Russian and Spanish allegedly owned majority of the exposed accounts.

However, the netizens' worries were addressed by Google through a blog post. The company referred to the incident as "credential dumps" which it defined as the posting of lists of usernames and passwords on the web.

Pertaining to the issue of the Russian forum leak, Google reported that less than 2% of the username and password combinations "might have worked." The company also mentioned that its automated anti-hijacking systems would have blocked login attempts using the exposed credentials.

Google ends with a security flourish, "We've protected the affected accounts and have required those users to reset their passwords."

Google denies breach of its security systems. It explained that the leaked login details were acquired through a combination of various sources.

Huffington Post suggested the same as Google in a report. Hackers behind the leaking may have obtained the usernames and passwords from other sites.

For instance, using the same Gmail username and password on another site may risk the original account, should the new site be hacked. The source advises users to avoid using the same password.

Google rep Svetlana Anurova encourages users to choose stronger passwords and enable the two-step verification measure, said Fusion. The latter requires the syncing of mobile devices which receive passcodes before any modifications related to accounts can be made. Learn more about Google's 2-step verification here. 

To safeguard your account, we suggest reviewing your security settings and account information. 

The company emphasized in an update that user information is "top priority", added Fusion. However, Google maintains and reiterates that there are no evidences pointing to a compromise in its security systems.

Check here to see if your account has been compromised.