A threat actor has claimed responsibility for leaking the personal data of 5 million Ecuadorian citizens.
The announcement was made via a post on social media tweets from the DarkWebInformer account.
The breach has raised significant concerns about data security and privacy in the country.
Details of the Breach
The threat actor, whose identity remains unknown, posted a message on a tweet stating that they had successfully infiltrated a government database and extracted sensitive information.
The leaked data reportedly includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and national identification numbers.
Free Webinar on API vulnerability scanning for OWASP API Top 10 vulnerabilities -> Book Your Spot
According to cybersecurity experts, the data appears to be authentic, and the scale of the breach is unprecedented in Ecuador.
“This is one of the largest data breaches we have seen in recent years,” said Carlos Mendoza, a cybersecurity analyst.
“The implications for the affected individuals are severe, as this information can be used for identity theft and other malicious activities.”
In response to the breach, the Ecuadorian government has launched an investigation to determine the source and extent of the leak.
The Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society issued a statement urging citizens to remain vigilant and monitor their accounts for suspicious activity.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and are working with international cybersecurity experts to mitigate the impact of this breach,” the statement read.
The government has also set up a hotline and a dedicated website for citizens to check if their data has been compromised and to receive guidance on protecting themselves.
Public Outcry and Concerns
The news of the data breach has sparked outrage among Ecuadorian citizens, many of whom are demanding greater government accountability and transparency.
Social media platforms are flooded with comments from concerned individuals expressing their frustration and fear over potentially misusing their personal information.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us,” said Quito resident Maria Fernandez. “We need stronger data protection laws and better security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“As the investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying the perpetrators and ensuring that the affected citizens receive the necessary support and protection.
The incident is a stark reminder of the growing threat of cyberattacks and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding personal information.
Free Webinar! 3 Security Trends to Maximize MSP Growth -> Register For Free