A major data breach involving MC2 Data, a background check company, has compromised the personal information of over 100 million U.S. citizens. The breach was discovered by cybersecurity researchers who found that 2.2 terabytes of sensitive data had been left unprotected on the open web.
This incident is the latest in a string of significant leaks, further highlighting the vulnerability of private information stored online. Victims are advised to take steps to safeguard their data from potential identity theft and financial harm.
Key Facts:
- MC2 Data exposed 106 million records containing personal information.
- The company operates several background check websites, including PrivateRecords.net and PeopleSearchUSA.
- Leaked data includes names, emails, encrypted passwords, and partial payment information.
- Over 2.3 million MC2 Data customers who used the service for background checks were also affected.
- This breach follows several other major leaks, including the Independence Day “RockYou2024” leak, which exposed 10 billion passwords.
The Rest of the Story:
The data breach, discovered by the cybersecurity firm Cybernews, occurred when MC2 Data inadvertently left 2.2 terabytes of personal information accessible without any password protection. This lapse compromised over 106 million records, affecting not only the individuals subjected to background checks but also the customers of MC2 Data’s services. Sites affiliated with MC2 Data, such as PeopleSearchUSA and PrivateReports, were all involved in the breach.
The leaked information includes sensitive details such as names, email addresses, encrypted passwords, and partial payment details. Legal records and property ownership information were also among the data made vulnerable. Cybernews’ Paulina Okunytė emphasized the seriousness of the breach, noting that it raises “serious concerns about privacy and safety” for both individuals and organizations.
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This incident comes on the heels of several other large-scale breaches, including the Independence Day “RockYou2024” hack that exposed billions of passwords and the earlier breach of U.S. Social Security numbers.
For those affected, experts recommend taking immediate actions to protect their personal data. Locking down Social Security numbers, freezing credit reports, and signing up for identity theft protection are all practical steps to mitigate the risk of fraud.
Commentary:
This latest breach serves as another reminder of how vulnerable personal data has become in the digital age. MC2 Data’s lapse demonstrates the carelessness that can exist in even critical industries like background checks, which deal with highly sensitive information. Unfortunately, it’s often everyday citizens who suffer the consequences of these corporate oversights, putting their financial and personal security at risk.
While large-scale data breaches have become almost routine, each new incident seems to reveal a more profound vulnerability. Companies like MC2 Data must be held accountable for securing the personal information they collect, and individuals should remain vigilant in safeguarding their own data.
The Bottom Line:
The MC2 Data breach is a stark example of how personal information can be compromised by companies that fail to take basic cybersecurity precautions. As more breaches come to light, the importance of protecting your personal data cannot be overstated.
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From freezing your credit to locking down your Social Security number, individuals must take proactive steps to protect themselves in this era of rampant digital crime.
