Cache of three billion background check records set to be sold online by cyber criminals

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USDoD has struck again

A stressed out hacker looking at a laptop screen
(Image credit: Yuri A/Shutterstock)

The cyber criminal organization known as USDoD has allegedly stolen 2.9 billion records from Florida based information broker National Public Data, which handles API searches for companies requesting background checks.

The database was first spotted online in April 2024 with a price tag of $3.5 million, and was later verified to be at least semi-genuine by experts at VX-Underground.

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USDoD leaks again

The information within the database contained sensitive personal information including full names, addresses and address history, social security numbers and detailed information on family members including the deceased.

Along with all of the disappointing insights VX-Underground provided, they did provide a nugget of good news, stating that “The database DOES NOT contain information from individuals who use data opt-out services. Every person who used some sort of data opt-out service was not present.”

USDoD was one of two cyber criminal groups involved in the leak of millions of Americans criminal records earlier this year, as well as the 3GB TransUnion database theft in 2023.

Leading malware removal tool creator Malwarebytes last month claimed that the USDoD group is looking to replace the BreachForums, which was taken down by the FBI in May but has since somehow returned.

Via TheRegister.

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Benedict Collins
Benedict Collins
Senior Writer, Security

Benedict is a Senior Security Writer at TechRadar Pro, where he has specialized in covering the intersection of geopolitics, cyber-warfare, and business security.

Benedict provides detailed analysis on state-sponsored threat actors, APT groups, and the protection of critical national infrastructure, with his reporting bridging the gap between technical threat intelligence and B2B security strategy.

Benedict holds an MA (Distinction) in Security, Intelligence, and Diplomacy from the University of Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS), with his specialization providing him with a robust academic framework for deconstructing complex international conflicts and intelligence operations, and the ability to translate intricate security data into actionable insights.