PeopleConnect Data Breach 2019

Hey Techies!

We've got some unsettling news about a data breach that's hit PeopleConnect, the parent company of TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate. Hold tight, because your personal info might be in the wild. If you're not familiar, TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate are the kind of services that help you peek into someone's background with just a few clicks. They dig up everything from court records to social media activity – you know, the whole shebang. 

Now, let's dive into the drama. Back in 2019, someone swiped a backup database containing info on millions of customers who used these services. Yup, you heard that right – millions. Email addresses, hashed passwords, names, and phone numbers are all fair game in this data haul. 

The stolen goods ended up on a hacking forum. It was like a digital black market for personal info, all out in the open. Upon a launched investigation, PeopleConnect confirmed that a list containing customer info was floating around online. The list included names, emails, phone numbers, encrypted passwords, and expired password reset tokens. It seems this list was cooked up a few years back and involves accounts created between 2011 and 2019. And guess what? It came from inside the company. 

The good news is, PeopleConnect reportedly didn’t think their network was infiltrated by malicious hackers. They're apparently working with a cybersecurity firm to suss out the details. Still, they're putting out a warning about possible phishing attacks. Keep an eye out for sketchy emails, folks. 

For those curious if their info got caught in the crossfire, do your due diligence to see if your data may be insecure. 

Stay safe and stay savvy, friends.

At a time when cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, it's essential to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to protect your personal information. We recommend implementing safe cybersecurity practices such as using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and keeping software up-to-date, among others.

We also suggest staying up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity news and trends to be aware of potential threats and vulnerabilities. We encourage you to subscribe to and Share our newsletter to receive regular updates and insights on the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Let’s continue to grow our community of cybersecurity techies!

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