Felons’ Data Breach: 70 Million Criminal Records Exposed by Cyber Villains

Hot Take:

Oh, the irony! Criminals hacking and leaking data about, well, criminals. Maybe they’re hoping for a spot on the next season of “America’s Most Wanted: Cyber Edition.”

Key Points:

• A database with criminal records of millions of Americans has been leaked online.
• The leak includes sensitive personal data such as full names, dates of birth, and conviction details.
• The data was leaked by the cybercriminal groups EquationCorp and USDoD.
• USDoD is allegedly planning to create a new data-leak forum similar to BreachForums.
• American individuals with a criminal history should be cautious about phishing and social engineering attacks.

Need to Know More?

Not Your Average Database Leak

In a plot twist straight out of a cyber-thriller, Malwarebytes researchers have unearthed a massive data leak containing criminal records of millions of Americans. This isn’t your garden-variety data breach; we’re talking about 70 million rows of heavy-duty information. According to Malwarebytes, the database includes full names, dates of birth, known aliases, postal addresses, dates of arrest, dates of conviction, sentences, and more. It’s basically a one-stop-shop for anyone who wants to know if their next-door neighbor is an ex-con.

A Fresh Batch of Data

The leaked database is relatively new, covering records from 2020 to 2024. Each row represents a single felony, which means if someone’s been particularly naughty, they could have multiple entries. Pieter Arntz from Malwarebytes confirmed this juicy detail in an interview with Tom’s Guide. So, it’s like a criminal resume, showcasing every felony in crisp detail.

The Usual Suspects

The cyber-villains behind this leak are two notorious groups: EquationCorp and USDoD. If the latter rings a bell, that’s because USDoD is allegedly connected to Connor Fitzpatrick, a.k.a. Pompompurin. Fitzpatrick was the mastermind behind BreachForums, the go-to site for all things illicit until it was recently shut down and Fitzpatrick was arrested. Now, it seems USDoD is aiming for a comeback, possibly using this data leak as a grand opening stunt for a new forum. Think of it as the cybercriminal version of a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Phishing Frenzy

While we don’t know the who, what, and how behind the data theft, one thing is clear: American felons should be on high alert. This treasure trove of data is a goldmine for phishing and social engineering attacks. So, if you’ve got a criminal past, be extra cautious about emails mentioning criminal convictions, especially those with attachments or urgent demands. It’s like the cyber equivalent of finding a “Free Candy” sign on a suspicious van.

A New Era of BreachForums?

Malwarebytes suggests that USDoD’s data leak could be a PR move to draw attention to a new leak forum. After all, if your previous gig was running the world’s most popular underground data-sharing site, you can’t just slip quietly into obscurity. Whether this new forum will rise from the ashes of BreachForums remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the cybersecurity community will be watching closely.

Stay Vigilant

In the meantime, everyone, especially those with a less-than-spotless record, should keep an eye on their inboxes. Hackers are likely to exploit this database to trick people into giving away more personal information or even money. If you receive an email that seems fishy, don’t take the bait. It might just be a cybercriminal casting a wide net, hoping to snag a few unwary ex-cons.

Final Thoughts

This data leak is a stark reminder that no one is safe from cybercriminals’ prying eyes, not even those who’ve already had a run-in with the law. As we wait to see if USDoD’s new forum will materialize, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. And remember, in the world of cybersecurity, the only thing more dangerous than the hackers are the hackers with a flair for dramatic comebacks.