Why It Matters
The Department of Homeland Security is examining an alleged breach involving sensitive personal information tied to tens of thousands of current and former employees. The material reportedly includes information connected to personnel assigned to covert and other sensitive work.
U.S. officials have raised concerns that exposed records could be used for phishing attempts or doxxing. A preliminary review found that at least some personal information attributed to DHS personnel was accurate.
What Happened
A group calling itself the Department of Peace claimed it obtained the DHS data. Distributed Denial of Secrets posted the material online Wednesday and said it came from an internal DHS database connected to a single sign-on service.
A DHS spokesperson said the department was aware of a possible breach and was working to respond. “DHS is aware of a potential breach and is actively working to address the situation swiftly and effectively,” the spokesperson said.
DHS told employees Thursday that it was assessing the scope of the incident, potential threats, available resources and protective measures. Information about some undercover personnel was among the exposed material, according to a source familiar with the matter.
By the Numbers
- Tens of thousands: Current and former DHS employees whose information hackers claimed to have taken and released.
- At least three: Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers involved in shootings during the second Trump administration whose data was included.
- Thousands: Current and former FBI personnel affected by a separate claimed breach last month.
The DHS material includes phone numbers, work supervisors and assignments. It includes information associated with personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.
Zoom Out
The DHS incident follows a separate breach claim involving the FBI last month. ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for accessing data on thousands of current and former FBI personnel, including employees assigned to sensitive units focused on China and Russia.
Thomas Warrick, a former DHS deputy assistant secretary for counterterrorism policy, called for a congressional investigation into how the DHS breach occurred. “DHS can’t just lock the barn door after the horse was stolen,” Warrick said.
What’s Next
DHS said it is continuing its assessment of the alleged breach, including the extent of the exposed information and measures needed to protect affected personnel.
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