The Hacker Tool to Get Personal Data from Credit Bureaus
A recent article by 404 Media sheds light on how hackers are obtaining personal information from credit bureaus in a cost-effective manner. The article reveals that criminals have gained access to a powerful set of data known as the target’s credit header, which is held by major credit bureaus such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This data, which includes personal information of most adults in America, is subsequently made available to debt collectors, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies through a network of agreements and purchases. However, criminals have managed to infiltrate this data supply chain and are now selling unrestricted access to their accomplices online. Notably, the tool tested by 404 Media has been used to gather information on high-profile individuals like Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and even President Joe Biden, suggesting a lack of effective restrictions. Although the sensitivity of the data may vary, 404 Media has verified that at least some of the information obtained is accurate.
Sidebar photo of Bruce Schneier by Joe MacInnis.
Key Points:
– Hackers are acquiring personal information from credit bureaus through a tool that taps into the target’s credit header.
– The credit header data, held by major credit bureaus, is disseminated to other companies and eventually reaches debt collectors, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies.
– Criminals have managed to gain access to this data supply chain by stealing identities, including those of former law enforcement officers, and are selling unrestricted access to their associates online.
– The tool tested by 404 Media has been used to gather information on high-profile individuals such as Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and President Joe Biden.
– While the sensitivity of the data may vary, 404 Media has confirmed the accuracy of at least some of the obtained information.
