Facebook Marketplace Hit by Huge Data Breach
Hundreds of thousands of Facebook Marketplace users are now at risk after a massive data leak exposed their personal details online. The breach has spilled phone numbers, email addresses, and other sensitive info belonging to 200,000 users.
Data on Sale to Cybercriminals
The stolen dataset is currently being sold on darknet markets, confirmed by MailOnline. Cyber crooks can use this treasure trove of info to launch phishing attacks and identity theft scams targeting innocent users.
Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, warned, “If you feel you have been targeted then I would consider changing your password.”
Notorious Hacker Group Behind Leak
The breach was claimed by the infamous hacking alias IntelBroker, who posted the data on a popular hacking forum. The cybercriminal credits a Discord user named “algoatson” for breaking into a cloud services contractor working for Facebook in October 2023.
The leaked info includes names, Facebook IDs, phone numbers, and email addresses – all verified as genuine by cybersecurity site BleepingComputer.
“InfoBroker has a history of cracking into networks, including health data and tech giant HP. They’re chasing big money with zero ethics,” explains Moore.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
- Change your Facebook password immediately if you think you’re affected.
- Set up two-factor authentication across all your accounts.
- Beware of suspicious messages or links asking for personal info.
- Check if your details have appeared in past breaches using services like “Have I Been Pwned” – but note this breach is too fresh to appear yet.
- Limit how much personal info you share online where hackers can exploit it.
Moore also warns about “SIM swapping” scams, where hackers use leaked phone numbers to hijack mobile accounts and intercept security codes.
“Criminals can impersonate you and con your friends into sending money. Don’t fall for it,” he said.
Facebook has been contacted for comment but has yet to respond.
