Background Check Data Breach

Massive Database Exposure Highlights Privacy Concerns

An unsecured database belonging to SL Data Services, LLC was discovered to be publicly accessible without encryption or password protection. The database contained 644,869 PDF files totaling 713.1 GB, which included sensitive documents such as court records, vehicle records (license plate and VIN), property ownership reports, and primarily, background check reports. These files revealed comprehensive personal profiles of individuals, including their full names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, employment history, family details, social media accounts, and criminal records.

Scope and Implications of the Leak

The majority of the documents reviewed — approximately 95% — were labeled as background checks. In cases of individuals with unique names, some background check data could be directly matched to actual people based on their listed home addresses. This suggests the database contained accurate and detailed information about individuals, raising significant privacy concerns.

The database also referenced a range of websites seemingly operated by SL Data Services, LLC, with 16 associated domains providing various information services. One such site, Propertyrec, offers real estate research data and was directly tied to the database’s name.

The database grew significantly in size while it remained exposed, increasing by 151,058 files in the period between its initial discovery and when public access was restricted. Despite responsible disclosure efforts, SL Data Services did not respond to notification attempts, and the vulnerability remained unaddressed for over a week.

Unanswered Questions

It remains unclear how long the database was exposed or whether unauthorized parties accessed its contents. SL Data Services did not provide any comment or confirmation regarding the ownership or management of the database, leaving unanswered whether a third-party contractor could be involved. Only a thorough forensic audit could determine the extent of access and whether the data was exploited maliciously.

Privacy Risks and Broader Concerns

The background check data breach exposed information underscores the risks posed by unsecured digital infrastructure. The detailed profiles available in the leaked database could facilitate identity theft, social engineering, or other malicious activities. This incident highlights the need for stricter data protection measures and accountability for companies managing sensitive personal information.

Efforts to reach SL Data Services for comment have gone unanswered as of publication. The extent of potential exposure and its impact on affected individuals remains an ongoing concern.