Experian database left wide open by 3rd party, had over 123 million records

[Elixer]

Yeah, yet more idiots leaving things wide open for anyone to find.
The fault was with Alteryx, their motto: "the leader in data blending and advanced analytics."
Does nobody encrypt anything?

the database contained over 3.5 billion details for over 123 million American households.

The data included both personally identifiable information such as addresses, home details, contact information, or homeowner ethnicity, but also financial details such as mortgage status, financial histories, and purchase behavior.

Considering the data belonged to Experian, you can expect any piece of personal and financial details used in credit reporting to be cataloged in the database.

...

The good news is that the data is somewhat old, the file being dated to 2013. The bad news is that while the data on each person was anonymized and did not include names, the database contained home addresses, which is just as bad.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...s-details-on-123-million-american-households/

 

[WilliamM2]

As long as no SS numbers were leaked, I don't see this as being nearly as bad as Equifax. Everything they list except purchase behavior is already public record.

 

[shortylickens]

As long as no SS numbers were leaked, I don't see this as being nearly as bad as Equifax. Everything they list except purchase behavior is already public record.

Thats like saying Pepsi One isnt nearly as bad as New Coke.

 

[IronWing]

Thats like saying Pepsi One isnt nearly as bad as New Coke.

Ask me how I know you're old.

Back on topic: As long as Highland is still willing to spot ATOTers, I ain't worried.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

As long as no SS numbers were leaked, I don't see this as being nearly as bad as Equifax. Everything they list except purchase behavior is already public record.

Exactly. Most municipalities put this information available online now anyway. Our county just launched a new property search page that makes it trivial to find somebody once you know their name. There is no anonymity if you own property.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Exactly. Most municipalities put this information available online now anyway. Our county just launched a new property search page that makes it trivial to find somebody once you know their name. There is no anonymity if you own property.

Been like that for a long time in Maryland. I don't think I've had to call a skip tracer for 15 years. MD Judiciary Case Search lists the name of every person involved in every civil and criminal case in the state of Maryland. If you have ever had a court date for any reason at all, you're in there. MD SDAT (real property search, business license search, etc) lists every homeowner, business owner, their agents, etc. Unless you need an asset check you can hunt people easily these days without hiring a pro.

 

[ultimatebob]

I kinda want to see my records, just I know that the marketing departments know about me! In particular, I'm curious how much demographic data Google or Facebook sold them.