MVD Shuts Down Major Illegal Data Market, Warns of Public Info Risks
On August 25, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) shut down a significant platform that was unlawfully disseminating personal data. This move serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of publicly accessible information by criminal elements.
The site, operational since December 2024, traded in passport data, residential addresses, incomes, and credit history of citizens. Its operators amassed over 66 million rubles before their apprehension. Although no arrests were reported on August 25, the MVD's action signals a crackdown on such activities.
Law enforcement advises exercising caution when sharing personal information. While using real names for communication is acceptable, publishing full names and dates of birth on social media is discouraged. The MVD recommends limiting the amount of personal data shared publicly and storing sensitive information securely, preferably in cloud services with two-factor authentication.
The MVD's actions underscore the perils of illegal data distribution. To safeguard personal information, the ministry advises regularly clearing message history, backing up messages, and being mindful of what data is shared publicly.
