Massive Data Leak Allegedly Exposes Sensitive Customer Information of Kia Russia
A hacking group identifying itself as "Silent Crow" has reportedly leaked sensitive customer and lead data from the Russian branch of Kia Motors. The group announced the breach on a Telegram channel, claiming the data leak was part of an effort to entertain their audience following the blocking of a previous channel.
The group released a message with details about the leak, providing a download link to the stolen database via a file-sharing service. The message also included a password to access the archive. The post claimed that the leaked data includes two database tables containing sensitive customer information.
Details of the Alleged Leak
The leaked dataset reportedly spans from 2020 to 2024 and allegedly includes over 700,000 lead entries and 120,000 user records. Data fields mentioned include:
- Names
- Password hashes (bcrypt)
- Contact details (emails and phone numbers)
- Vehicle requests and dealership interactions
- Feedback and comments
- Technical metadata, such as IP addresses and user-agent strings
Silent Crow's announcement also referenced previous leaks, including a claim of exposing part of the Rosreestr database, which contains property ownership information in Russia. The group mocked Russian authorities' efforts to deny previous leaks, suggesting systemic vulnerabilities.
Potential Implications
If confirmed, this leak could have serious consequences for both Kia Russia and its customers. Exposure of personal and transactional data can lead to identity theft, phishing attacks, and a loss of trust in the company. Additionally, the public release of such data increases the risk of it being exploited by malicious actors.
Kia's Response
At the time of writing, Kia Russia has not commented on the alleged breach. Industry experts recommend that affected individuals remain vigilant, monitor their accounts for unusual activity, and avoid engaging with unsolicited communications.
Silent Crow’s Activities
Silent Crow's message hinted at future leaks, claiming they are preparing another significant release. The group’s rhetoric included criticism of Russian governance and systems, positioning themselves as adversaries of the Russian state. Their Telegram post also mocked governmental responses to prior leaks, suggesting resilience against attempts to block their channels.