DHS Seeks Removal of Leaked Data Affecting Thousands of Agency Personnel

The US Department of Homeland Security has requested that an Icelandic hosting provider remove or limit access to leaked information concerning thousands of agency personnel, citing severe safety risks for those named. According to the removal request published online by the hosting provider FlokiNET, the leaked database endangers more than 40,000 identifiable individuals by exposing them to potential harassment, stalking, and physical harm.

ZeroFox, an authorized representative acting on behalf of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, communicated the removal demand to FlokiNET via email. However, FlokiNET Chief Executive Officer Kolja Weber stated that the provider declined to delete the records because the published material consists of official government work phone numbers and work addresses rather than private residential locations or personal contact details.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged the situation, stating that the agency is monitoring a potential breach and working rapidly to resolve the matter. The representative emphasized that the organization treats any security threats directed at its officers and personnel with utmost seriousness and will take necessary measures to ensure adequate protection.

Leaked data involving tens of thousands of personnel prompts official removal demands and security reviews.

The compromised information regarding more than 40,000 agency workers was published online by the non-profit data transparency group DDoSecrets. The release was accompanied by a searchable database created by a hacker and journalist. Although the online database experienced brief downtime, it was quickly restored at an alternative web address.

Responsibility for acquiring the information was claimed by an entity styling itself "the Department of Peace." In an online statement released alongside the leak, the group argued that since the agency possesses citizen records, the public release was a matter of fairness. The collective expressed hope that the disclosed information might limit further agency actions and aid opposing efforts.

Meanwhile, privacy advocates have raised separate concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security's utilization of external personal records, such as taxpayer data and Medicaid information, for carrying out immigration enforcement procedures.