Priya PatelTLDR:
• The World-Check database, used for Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, has been stolen by cybercriminals.
• The database contains information on high-risk individuals such as terrorists, money launderers, and more.
In a recent breach, cybercriminals obtained the World-Check database, which is used by businesses for KYC checks. The database includes records of high-risk individuals such as terrorists, money launderers, and dodgy politicians. The group responsible, GhostR, has threatened to leak all 5 million records. This is the second time the database has fallen into the wrong hands, with the first leak occurring in 2016.
The World-Check database includes information on individuals’ personal details, aliases, social security numbers, and reasons for being on the list. The stolen data also revealed names of political figures, judges, suspected terrorists, and cybercriminals. Despite the database aggregating data from reliable sources, past investigations have shown inaccuracies and false terrorism designations.
One notable incident involved a mosque in Finsbury Park, London, which faced account closures by banks after being wrongfully placed on the World-Check list. This resulted in a libel case and damages awarded to the mosque. The breach of the World-Check database raises concerns about data protection and potential false implications on individuals listed.
