San Francisco, November 29, 2024 –A colossal data breach at SL Data Services exposed 600K+ files, including criminal and property records. Experts warn of severe identity theft risks.
A catastrophic oversight in database security has left more than 600,000 sensitive files exposed to the internet, triggering massive privacy concerns. The unprotected database, belonging to SL Data Services, revealed a treasure trove of personal information, including criminal histories, background checks, and property records, without so much as a password to shield it.
The data, stored in an Amazon S3 bucket, remained vulnerable for weeks despite multiple warnings from cybersecurity expert Jeremiah Fowler, who discovered the breach.
This isn’t just negligence; it’s an open invitation for exploitation. The files contained everything criminals need to build full profiles of individuals, putting thousands at risk.
Over 95% of the exposed documents were labeled “background checks,” featuring personal details like full names, home addresses, employment history, family members, and even criminal records. The fallout could be disastrous, with experts warning of potential phishing scams and identity theft.
Adding insult to injury, Fowler revealed that none of the data was encrypted, making it a jackpot for snoopers.
They claimed to use 128-bit encryption and SSL certificates, but the reality was eye-roll-worthy.
SL Data Services has since secured the bucket, but not before risking public trust. According to reports, similar breaches have plagued other data firms, such as a leak of 2.9 billion records earlier this year.
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