Hackers leaked details of more than 41,000 Homeland Security personnel
They include email addresses and phone numbers of ICE agents and border police.
A hacktivist group stole records for more than 41,000 Homeland Security personnel and released them on the web. The leaked records contain email addresses, phone numbers and office addresses of the personnel, along with sensitive information about the agency's undercover and surveillance programs.
Affected Personnel
Of the records that were leaked, 21,000 identify people working with the US Customs and Border Protection, while 10,000 records belong to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. A third of those records is related to the Homeland Security Investigations unit, the criminal investigative arm of ICE. Overall, the leaks expose the details of a seventh of Homeland Security's workforce.
Group Statements and Context
The hacktivist group calling itself the Department of Peace released a statement following recent agency press conferences regarding enforcement activities and use of force policies.
Access Method
The group reportedly accessed data via Okta, the single sign-on service used by the DHS. Okta stated it found no evidence that its data or systems were compromised. The hackers shared the data with transparency nonprofit Distributed Denial of Secrets and a cybersecurity researcher, who created a searchable online database using the provided information.
Database Publication
The Distributed Denial of Secrets launched a database named "Icepick." Its founder noted the records contain links between officials overseeing covert and undercover operations, alongside key personnel in rendition and deportation programs.
Agency Response
A Homeland Security spokesperson stated the agency is aware of a potential breach and is actively working to address the situation. Officials emphasized that security threats against employees and officers are taken seriously to ensure proper protection.
