A massive data leak has exposed the personal and financial information of millions of people, putting them at serious risk of fraud and identity theft.
Five Million Records Compromised
A cybersecurity firm, Leakd, discovered five terabytes of data online containing five million unique credit and debit card numbers. The leaked data also includes full names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and other sensitive financial records.
The Source: A Suspicious Website?
Many of the leaked screenshots show the logo of Braniacshop, a website flagged as suspicious by Scam Detector. Leakd suspects the data breach may have resulted from a deliberate data-harvesting campaign targeting users lured in by incredibly cheap deals and promotions. These offers, such as free iPhones or heavily discounted items, often hid hidden fees and auto-renewals.
The Cost of the Breach
Leakd estimates the stolen data could be worth over $85 million.
Protecting Yourself
If you suspect your information may have been compromised, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Monitor your financial accounts: Regularly check for any unauthorized activity.
- Set up fraud alerts: Many banks and credit bureaus offer this service.
- Freeze your credit: This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with professionals for personalized guidance./p>
