DHS Investigates Major Data Breach Affecting Thousands
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently investigating a major data breach that may have compromised the information of tens of thousands of employees. Sources indicated that the breach, described as a significant security incident, potentially exposed the identities, titles, locations, and contact details of approximately 40,000 DHS staff and contractors. This includes around 10,000 personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and over 20,000 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees, with records linked to Border Patrol personnel.
Multiple sources confirmed that parts of this data are authentic. The data leak website Distributed Denial of Secrets recently published this information, which Fox News verified includes the names of several undercover ICE agents operating across the United States.
An anti-fascist hacking group, identifying itself as the “Department of Peace,” claimed responsibility for gathering the data. In response to the breach, a DHS spokesperson stated, “DHS is aware of a potential breach and is actively working to address the situation swiftly and effectively. We take all security threats against our employees and officers seriously and will work to ensure all are properly protected. We will update the public when more information is available.”
Emma Best, co-founder of Distributed Denial of Secrets, noted the development of a tool that allows public access to the data, saying it aims to “replace anonymity with accountability.” The “Department of Peace” expressed that the data should be used to limit harm by the DHS and support efforts in that direction.
The breach highlighted broader concerns about the security of government personnel records. Last month, a breach at the Pentagon revealed sensitive personal information of over 2.76 million U.S. military and civilian personnel, affecting both living and deceased individuals. This unauthorized access involved unencrypted files with Social Security and employment information.