Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/27/600k_sensitive_files_exposed/
Source: The Register
Title: Data broker leaves 600K+ sensitive files exposed online
Feedly Summary: Researcher spotted open database before criminals … we hope
Exclusive More than 600,000 sensitive files containing thousands of people’s criminal histories, background checks, vehicle and property records were exposed to the internet in a non-password protected database belonging to data brokerage SL Data Services, according to a security researcher.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The article outlines a substantial security breach involving SL Data Services, where over 600,000 sensitive files were exposed in an unprotected Amazon S3 bucket. The incident raises significant concerns about data privacy and the potential for targeted phishing or social engineering attacks using the leaked information.
Detailed Description:
The incident highlights crucial lapses in data security practices, specifically involving sensitive personal and criminal history information. Key points include:
– **Nature of the Breach**: More than 600,000 files containing sensitive information, including background checks and criminal records, were found in an unsecured Amazon S3 bucket.
– **Lack of Protection**: The files were not only unpassword-protected, but also lacked encryption, posing significant risks for individuals affected.
– **Details of the Data**: The majority of the documents accessed were background checks containing sensitive information such as names, addresses, contact information, and criminal records. This kind of information can facilitate targeted phishing and social engineering attacks.
– **Security Researcher’s Actions**: Jeremiah Fowler, the researcher who discovered the breach, reported it repeatedly to the company but received no meaningful response or acknowledgment.
– **Security Implications**: The accessible data could allow criminals to compile comprehensive identity profiles of individuals and their associates, which poses heightened risks for potential exploitation.
– **Call for Better Practices**: Fowler suggests that organizations should use unique identifiers for files that don’t contain personal identifiable information (PII), monitor access logs for unusual activity, and employ stronger security measures like password protection and encryption.
– **Industry Context**: The article references an increase in data breaches in the industry, with notable examples of compromised backgrounds checks leading to massive data leaks in other organizations.
– **Recommendations**:
– Implement access control measures and regularly audit data repositories.
– Utilize encryption for sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
– Educate employees about the risks of social engineering and the importance of data privacy.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for professionals in data security and compliance domains regarding the critical importance of securing sensitive personal information and the broader implications of data breaches in terms of privacy and security risks.