In a shocking discovery by cybersecurity researchers at LEAKD, 5 million U.S. credit card details, along with other sensitive personal information, have been leaked online. The culprit? An unsecured AWS S3 bucket — a type of cloud storage folder — that was left vulnerable without password protection.
Table of Contents
While data breaches often involve hacking, this incident highlights the dangers of negligent security practices, where sensitive information becomes accessible to anyone with the right know-how. This particular leak appears to have originated from a phishing operation designed to trick individuals into handing over their personal and financial information.
How the Data Leak Happened
Hackers behind this scam lured victims with fake giveaways, such as promises of free iPhones or heavily discounted holiday gifts. Unsuspecting individuals provided their names, billing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and credit card details by filling out online forms.
The breach resulted in an estimated 5TB of stolen data, including screenshots and sensitive information that could be used for fraud, identity theft, or sold on the dark web. With U.S. credit card details selling for an average of $17 each, the leaked data could be valued at over $85 million.
9 Smart Ways to Strengthen Your Financial Profile Before Buying Your Dream Home
3 Effective Ways to Achieve Credit Card Debt Forgiveness Before 2025
$5.5 Billion Visa and Mastercard Settlement: How Merchants Can Claim Their Share
Steps to Protect Yourself After a Data Leak
If you suspect that your information might have been compromised, here are the essential steps to secure your digital and financial life:
1. Monitor Financial Statements
Keep a close eye on your credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized charges or suspicious activities. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your financial institution immediately and request a freeze on the affected account.
2. Set Up Fraud Alerts
Contact your bank or credit card provider to enable fraud alerts, which will notify you of any suspicious activity on your accounts.
3. Change Passwords and Enable MFA
For all affected accounts, update your passwords and ensure they are strong and unique. Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
4. Freeze Your Credit
Consider placing a credit freeze with major credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized loans or new accounts being opened in your name.
5. Invest in Identity Theft Protection
Services like identity theft protection can help you recover from a breach and provide assistance with retrieving lost funds due to fraud.
6. Beware of Phishing Attacks
Leaked information often leads to targeted phishing scams. Be cautious of unsolicited messages — whether by email, phone, or text — and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing additional information.
7. Check for Exposed Information
Use a data breach checker like HaveIBeenPwned or tools provided by cybersecurity companies to verify if your information has been compromised.
How to Spot Fake Giveaways and Scams
Free iPhones and other holiday discount scams are not new. Educate yourself and your family about the common red flags:
- Unsolicited Offers: Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.
- Suspicious URLs: Check website addresses for typos or unfamiliar domains.
- Personal Data Requests: Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information through unsolicited forms or emails.
Why Education is Key
With the holiday season in full swing, scams like this often target unsuspecting individuals. It’s essential to stay vigilant, educate family members — especially teens and older relatives — about cybersecurity practices, and proactively monitor for threats.
By taking these steps, you can minimize your risk and keep your financial and personal information secure. While data leaks like this are unsettling, proper actions can help you regain control and prevent further damage.
Stay safe, stay informed, and protect your digital life.
Leave a Reply