Dating Apps And Adult Websites Expose Personal Data Of Over 3,000 Capitol Staffers

The U.S. Capitol has been hit by a large-scale cyberattack, resulting in the personal information of over 3,000 congressional staffers being exposed on the dark web. The attack, uncovered by Switzerland-based security firm Proton, revealed that Capitol Hill staffers had their passwords leaked through various online platforms, including social media, dating apps and adult websites.

Proton’s investigation, conducted alongside U.S.-based Constella Intelligence, uncovered that 1,800 passwords from Capitol staffers are now available on the dark web. The security breach was linked to staffers using their official email addresses for personal accounts on high-risk websites, which were later compromised.

In a statement to The Washington Times, Proton explained that the leaks likely originated from the use of official emails on platforms like dating and adult websites. These platforms had been previously breached, leading to the exposure of staffers’ information. The investigation revealed that nearly 1 in 5 congressional staffers had personal data compromised in the attack.

The report also highlighted instances where a single staffer had as many as 31 passwords exposed online. The overall number of affected staffers was calculated at 3,191, according to the report.

This breach has raised concerns over the security practices of congressional staffers and the risks associated with using official email addresses for personal accounts on vulnerable sites. The attack underscores the importance of cyber hygiene in protecting sensitive information.

Another notable aspect of the cyberattack is what allowed the leaks: social media, dating apps and adult websites. Perhaps our country would be better off with government employees less concerned with these online activities and more concerned with bettering the worsening conditions in the U.S. for the citizens that live here.