On Wednesday afternoon, a group of hackers released an online database containing the names and personal information of “the architects and drivers of DHS (Department of Homeland Security) policy and operations.”
”On July 17, Markwayne Mullin said he was ’turning up the heat.’ This is what happens to ICE when you do that,” a spokesperson for the source who leaked the dataset said in a press release sent to L.A. TACO.
The database—released by Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoSecrets)—includes the names, job titles, cell phone numbers, and other personal information of hundreds of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) special agents, deportation officers, and upper-level managers assigned to the Los Angeles area, as well as nationwide. The hacking group estimates that the database contains almost a fifth of all DHS employees.
The database also allows users to search for court documents, complaints, and FOIA requests associated with DHS employees on Document Cloud, an open-source software. The database also includes the manager of each employee, allowing users to follow the chain of command.
In addition to the employee data, the leak exposes the addresses of hundreds of DHS offices and facilities.
The dataset was leaked from Okta, an IT management service used by DHS. The hackers noted that the dataset is not comprehensive and it may contain inaccuracies.
Okta did not respond to a request for comment.
DDoSecrets cofounder Emma Best described the database as "extraordinary but deceptive in its simplicity,” in a statement released to journalists.
Rather than create a database of every DHS employee, the database focuses on “the officials responsible for overseeing covert and undercover operations.” Best describes the database as a “catalyst” for journalists, legislators, and activists to file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and investigate DHS further.
In a written statement, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson told L.A. TACO that they are aware of the "potential breach" and are "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," they continued. "We will update the public when more information is available."
This is a developing story . . .
