DHS investigates data breach exposing details of 40,000 employees

Oct 30, 6:18 AM2 min readCovered by 3 outlets

Drafted by AI from the sources below, fact-checked by the Ajako Taja Editorial Team · How we use AI

AI Summary

DHS is investigating a 'catastrophic' breach after a hacker group leaked personal data of 40,000 staff, including thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents.

The Department of Homeland Security is investigating a massive data breach that reportedly exposed the personal information of approximately 40,000 employees and contractors, including undercover agents.

A hacking group calling itself the Department of Peace claimed responsibility for obtaining the data, which was subsequently released on Wednesday by the transparency website Distributed Denial of Secrets. According to Fox News, the leak includes names, job titles, locations, and contact information for roughly 10,000 ICE personnel and more than 20,000 U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees. Fox News also confirmed that the records identify several undercover ICE agents working across the country.

The Department of Homeland Security stated it is aware of the potential breach and is working to address the situation. A department spokesperson told Fox News that they take security threats against officers seriously and will ensure all personnel are protected. Deutsche Welle reported that the data release also includes details on officials involved in surveillance and intelligence operations.

Emma Best, co-founder of Distributed Denial of Secrets, stated that the group developed a search tool to help the public navigate the data. Best told Deutsche Welle that the leak identifies personnel involved in deportation programs and is intended to provide accountability and aid in congressional oversight. To verify the information, Reuters contacted three employees listed in the database and confirmed their phone numbers and other details.

While CBS News reported that a hacker group claimed to have created a database of personal info, Fox News sources described the incident as a catastrophic security breach. The leak comes as the agency reportedly expands arrests and deportations, according to information from the Migration Policy Institute.

Background

This incident marks the third major U.S. government data leak within the past month. It occurs amid a reported increase in federal immigration enforcement and a surge in operations within sanctuary cities initiated in September.