A recent discovery by a security researcher has unveiled a substantial unprotected database online, containing nearly 645,000 files that hold highly sensitive information about American citizens. Jeremiah Fowler, known for his expertise in cybersecurity, identified this non-password-protected database hosted on a cloud platform. The records in question belong to SL Data Services/Propertyrec, a firm that specializes in providing property, vehicle, and criminal records, in addition to background checks.
The compromised database is alarming not only because of its size—approximately 713 gigabytes—but also due to the depth of personal data it contains. This includes full names, residential addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, employment histories, familial relationships, social media profiles, and extensive criminal record histories. Furthermore, sensitive documents such as birth and death certificates, court records, vehicle information, and property ownership details are also present.
Fowler has expressed concerns over the exposure of this database, noting that he is unable to determine the duration of its vulnerability or whether any unauthorized individuals had accessed it prior to his discovery. He indicated that only a comprehensive internal forensic audit could potentially uncover any additional access incidents or suspicious activities. Despite his attempts to notify SL Data Services/Propertyrec about the exposed data, he received no response from the company before the publication of his findings.
The circumstances surrounding this incident draw comparisons to a previous data breach involving National Public Data (NPD) in August, where the personal information of approximately 270 million individuals was compromised. Such breaches underline the increasing risks associated with handling sensitive information, particularly for organizations managing extensive databases.
The potential techniques used in this incident may align with several strategies outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, notably the tactics of initial access and exploitation of vulnerabilities. In this case, the lack of essential security measures such as password protection suggests a possible oversight in the organization’s cybersecurity protocols. This incident emphasizes the critical need for robust data protection strategies to safeguard sensitive information against unauthorized access.
As data privacy continues to be a pressing concern, organizations are reminded to conduct regular audits and ensure they implement comprehensive security measures to protect against such vulnerabilities. The fallout from such breaches not only jeopardizes individual privacy but can also lead to significant reputational and financial repercussions for businesses.
In light of these developments, stakeholders are encouraged to stay vigilant about data protection practices and to be aware of the potential implications of data breaches on their operations and customer trust.
