The Shocking Data Leak Exposing Over 100 Million US Citizens’ Personal Information
In a recent alarming discovery, security researchers have uncovered a massive data leak that has exposed the personal information of over 100 million US citizens. The breach, attributed to a misconfigured database at background check firm MC2 Data, has left 2.2TB of sensitive data accessible online without password protection.
What Was Exposed in the MC2 Data Breach?
The database contained a staggering 106,316,633 records, including full names, emails, IP addresses, dates of birth, partial payment details, home addresses, phone numbers, employment and legal histories, property records, and even family, relatives, and neighbors’ data. To make matters worse, encrypted passwords were also leaked, making them vulnerable to brute-force attacks and potentially granting unauthorized access to other systems.
Subscribers to MC2 Data services were also affected, totaling over 2.3 million individuals. Their data, which could include information about employers and law enforcement, is particularly concerning as it presents a higher value target for cybercriminals.
Security Concerns and Industry Impact
MC2 Data, known for running background check sites like PrivateRecords.net and PeopleSearchUSA, collects and compiles information from various public sources for decision-making purposes. This breach has raised serious concerns about the handling and security of personally identifiable information by background check companies, putting millions at risk of identity theft, fraud, or other cyber-attacks.
Security researchers emphasize that the exposed data could be a goldmine for cybercriminals, granting them easy access to detailed personal profiles that are typically protected. The breach highlights a fundamental issue where security is not given the priority it deserves.
Infosecurity has reached out to MC2 Data for clarification on the breach and the actions taken to address it, but no response has been received as of now. The database is reported to have been secured in the meantime.
Stay tuned for updates as more information unfolds regarding this shocking data leak that has put the personal information of millions at risk.