Modern companies process and store huge volumes of graphic information, primarily, scanned document copies. To prevent leaks of such data, organizations need to use DLP systems with built-in OCR modules. This is a digest of image leaks, prepared by InfoWatch Analytical Center.
Last winter, Bittrex, a blockchain trading platform, leaked its users’ passport scans and photographs due to KYC verification errors.
Companies that handle large volumes of customer documents and make scanned copies are at high risk. Thus, security researchers discovered a notorious leak of scanned images depicting the credit cards and passports of more than tens of thousands of travelers. Turns out, the leak source was MoneyBack, a Mexican company that offers refunds on taxes on goods purchased by travelers to Mexico.
Even country leaders fell victims to image leaks. For example, in 2014, pictures allegedly showing the passport pages of French President Francois Hollande flooded social media, revealing personal details of the president, such as his height (170 cm), as well as details of the visa Hollande was granted to enter Iraq.
In early February, a photograph posted online alluded to the US Army Cyber Protection Brigade teaming with the National Security Agency (NSA) in ongoing investigations against “Tor, I2P, and VPN,” with a request for additional funding for further projects against cryptocurrencies.
Many people recklessly share both their own images and graphic files of their relatives. Thus, VK.com social network is full of uploaded passport copies and private pictures.
