One billion Chinese people's personal data for sale on the web

Since 4 July 2022, the personal data of one billion Chinese people has been up for sale on the web. This is by far the largest leak of personal data since the cyberattack that hit Yahoo in 2013. The Wall Street Journal was able to confirm the authenticity of the stolen information.

The cybercriminal managed to obtain 22 terabytes of data by hacking into a Shanghai police server. In addition to the usual information (names, addresses, etc.), the database includes the criminal records and medical files of some of the victims.

The hacker is putting the database up for sale for the sum of 10 bitcoins (nearly 200 000 USD), which suggests that they intend to resell it several times for maximum profit.