A hacking group known as the Department of Peace has cracked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's personnel files, exposing sensitive information of over 40,000 DHS agents, operatives, and associates. The breach, which occurred recently, has raised concerns about the security of government data. The hackers claimed to have stolen the data by subverting DHS's single sign-on system.
The exposed data includes names, phone numbers, and addresses of DHS employees, including those involved in undercover operations. The hackers distributed the material to the group Distributed Denial of Secrets, which posted it online in a database called Icepick. The Department of Peace also shared the data with a U.S.-based journalist and a Swiss hacker known as maia arson crimew, who created a searchable online database.
The breach is significant, with over 21,000 records identifying employees with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and another 10,000 relating to Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and its Homeland Security Investigations unit. However, the database is far from comprehensive, representing about a fifth of Homeland Security's workforce, which staffs a little more than 220,000 people.
The hacktivist group behind the breach, the Department of Peace, claimed that the leak was a response to comments made by Markwayne Mullin, who said he was "turning up the heat" on ICE. The group stated that the leak was a way to hold government officials accountable for their actions.
The leaked data has been hailed as a valuable resource by activists and investigators, who say it will aid in filing freedom of information requests and investigating DHS activities. DDoSecrets cofounder Emma Best called the leak "extraordinary but deceptive in its simplicity," as it makes explicit connections between officials responsible for overseeing covert operations and key personnel in DHS's rendition and deportation programs.
In response to the breach, DHS said it was "aware of a potential breach and is actively working to address the situation swiftly and effectively." The department added that it is taking necessary steps to ensure all employees are properly protected.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of government data and the potential consequences of such breaches. The leak is one of several recent hacking attacks, including a similar breach at the FBI.
Key points
- The breach exposed sensitive information of over 40,000 DHS employees, including those involved in undercover operations.
- The leak was a response to comments made by Markwayne Mullin, who said he was "turning up the heat" on ICE.
- The leaked data has been hailed as a valuable resource by activists and investigators, who say it will aid in filing freedom of information requests and investigating DHS activities.
