Database Leaked! Reveals 2.2 Million Suspected Terrorists

A massive database of terrorists and "heightened-risk individuals and entities" containing more than 2.2 Million records has reportedly leaked online.

Researcher Chris Vickery claimed on Reddit that he had managed to obtain a copy of 2014 version of the World-Check confidential database, which is being used by banks, governments, and intelligence agencies worldwide to scope out risks including suspected terrorists.

The leaked database contains more than 2.2 Million records of people with suspected terrorist, organized crime, money laundering, bribery, corruption links, and "other unsavory activities."


Vickery does not reveal exactly how he came across the data, but he says:
"No hacking was involved in my acquisition of this data. I would call it more of a leak than anything, although not directly from Thomson Reuters. The exact details behind that can be shared at a later time."
Meanwhile, he told BBC that the database was not using any protection like username or password to see the records. However, he clarifies that "this unprotected database was not directly hosted by Thomson Reuters itself."



Vickery also told media outlets that even after disclosing its location to Thomson Reuters, the database is still available online.
"As far as I know, the original location of the leak is still exposed to the public internet," said Vickery. "Thomson Reuters is working feverishly to get it secured."


Along with the number of categories, the World-Check database also contains individuals' dates and places of birth in an effort to help banks and government entities check they are looking into the right people.




However, the Reuters rejects these accusations.
"The worst possible situation that could arise is that someone who may be innocent, but accused of criminal activity in the database, could be permanently branded on a global scale if this database were to be spread publicly," said Vickery.

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