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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

BreachForums Database Up for Sale Online

BreachForums Database Up for Sale Online
Author Image Husain Parvez
Husain Parvez Published on 30th July 2023 Cybersecurity Researcher

An individual behind the alias 'breached_db_person' is currently selling the Breached database and has shared it with Have I Been Pwned as proof of its legitimacy for potential buyers. BleepingComputer has independently verified that the shared member's table contains identified accounts from the Breached platform.

In a following announcement, the Have I Been Pwned data breach notification service revealed that users may now verify whether their data was compromised in the breach. This update was made available as of yesterday.

"In November 2022, the well-known hacking forum 'BreachForums' was itself, breached. Later the following year, the operator of the website was arrested and the site seized by law enforcement agencies," as stated in the HIBP announcement.

The breach compromised 212k records, including usernames, IP and email addresses, private messages between site members, and passwords stored as argon2 hashes. Breached, a prominent hacking and data leak forum, gained notoriety for its role in hosting, leaking, and selling data stolen from hacked companies, governments, and organizations worldwide.

Former Breached administrator, Baphomet, has also confirmed the database's authenticity, expressing concern over the ongoing efforts to undermine the community. Baphomet issued a warning, stating, "Not only was the database submitted to HIBP, but it's being actively sold/leaked by at least one person - even attempting to do so on our forum."

During its prime, the forum served as the primary online community for English-speaking cybercriminals, facilitating the exchange, promotion, and trade of personal data pilfered from numerous websites and companies. In March, we reported that the FBI apprehended Conor Brian Fitzpatrick in New York, alleging his connection to the pseudonym "Pompompurin" and his role as the administrator of BreachForums. Subsequently, the forum's new administrator took action and permanently shut down the platform, pledging that it would never resurface again.

About the Author

Husain Parvez is a Cybersecurity Researcher and News Writer at vpnMentor, focusing on VPN reviews, detailed how-to guides, and hands-on tutorials. Husain is also a part of the vpnMentor Cybersecurity News bulletin and loves covering the latest events in cyberspace and data privacy.