Urgent Alert for Facebook Marketplace Users: 200,000 Accounts Compromised Online
Facebook Marketplace users are currently facing a significant threat due to a massive online data breach. Personal details of 200,000 users, including phone numbers, email addresses, and other sensitive information, have been leaked and are now at risk of phishing, identity theft, and cyberattacks.
1. The Scale of the Breach:
A massive data breach has exposed the personal information of around 200,000 Facebook Marketplace users. This includes phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal details. The breach represents a significant risk of identity theft and other cybercrimes.
2. Data Available for Sale:
According to the British newspaper "Daily Mail," this dataset is still accessible and is currently being offered for sale to cybercriminals. This availability opens up the possibility for targeted scam operations using the leaked information.
3. Protection Measures for Users:
Experts advise Facebook Marketplace users that it's not too late to safeguard their personal data. Jake Moore, a global cybersecurity advisor for ESET, suggests users who feel targeted should consider changing their passwords immediately.
4. Leak Source:
The data was leaked on a hacking forum by a notorious cybercriminal operating under the alias IntelBroker. This individual has a history of successful network breaches and is known for targeting high-profile entities.
5. Extent of Leaked Data:
The leaked data encompasses a wide array of personal information, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, Facebook IDs, and Facebook profile information. The legitimacy of this data has been verified by BleepingComputer, which matched email addresses and phone numbers from the data sample.
6. The Notoriety of InfoBroker:
InfoBroker, the hacking group behind this breach, has a history of targeted violations against high-level targets. Moore highlights that InfoBroker has previously compromised health data, demonstrating their lack of ethics and their pursuit of significant financial gain.
7. The Dark Web Marketplace:
Moore explains that the data was being sold on the dark web for several months, with prices around one dollar per line of data. This indicates the value and demand for such sensitive information in illicit markets.
8. The Value of Data:
As Moore points out, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the value of our data. The most recent data holds the highest value for criminals, and when combined with other information available on the dark web, it can cause significant harm.
Finally:
This breach underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in protecting personal information online, especially for users of platforms like Facebook Marketplace. With cybercriminals constantly seeking new opportunities to exploit personal data, staying informed and cautious is more crucial than ever.
