Data broker blunder: More than 600,000 sensitive files exposed in data services leak
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In today’s digital age, there are companies that thrive on collecting personal data, including criminal records, employment details, addresses, and more. These companies offer background check services to individuals and businesses, but often fall short when it comes to protecting this sensitive information. Earlier this year, the National Public Data faced scrutiny for failing to secure 2.7 billion records of individuals. Now, another data aggregator has exposed the personal information of 600,000 Americans.
What kind of information was leaked in this breach? According to Website Planet, the exposed database contained 644,869 PDF files totaling 713.1 GB of sensitive data. These files included background checks, court records, vehicle ownership details like license plates and VINs, and property ownership reports. The background checks alone revealed highly sensitive personal information such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, employment details, family information, social media accounts, and criminal histories.
Shockingly, the database was left publicly accessible without any password protection or encryption, making it easy for anyone to access and download the files. The files were also named in a way that exposed personal details, even without opening them. This negligence in data security is a serious concern.
The company responsible for this breach is SL Data Services LLC, an information research provider that operates a network of around 16 websites, including Propertyrec. While Propertyrec advertises real estate ownership data and property records, SL Data Services offers a range of services beyond property information, including criminal background checks, DMV records, and birth and death records. However, customer reviews have raised concerns about the company’s business practices, with many users reporting being unknowingly enrolled in subscription services.
The exposure of sensitive personal information in this breach can have serious implications for the individuals involved. Cybercriminals could use this data for phishing scams, social engineering tactics, or even identity theft. The leak could also lead to reputational damage or discrimination for individuals with criminal records, even if the information is outdated or incorrect.
To protect yourself from data leaks, consider the following steps:
1) Remove your personal information from the internet using a data removal service.
2) Be wary of mailbox communications and verify any unexpected messages.
3) Be cautious of phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software.
4) Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
5) Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.
6) Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it.
7) Regularly update your software to protect against vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the recent data breach exposing the personal information of 600,000 Americans underscores the importance of safeguarding your privacy and demanding better security practices from data aggregators. Should companies face stronger penalties for failing to protect personal data? Share your thoughts with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact and stay tuned for more tech tips and security alerts.
