ID Photos of Seventy Thousand Members Potentially Were Compromised, Discord Says
Discord, a messaging platform widely used by gaming communities, reports that official ID photos of approximately 70,000 users have potentially been leaked in the wake of a digital security breach.
External Provider Attacked
The platform, which has over 200 million users worldwide, states that cybercriminals had targeted a company that helped to verify the ages of its account holders but the main application was not breached.
Members can submit identification images to confirm their age on Discord - a social space for gaming enthusiasts to chat and distribute materials with others in the gaming community.
Extent of Information Leak
The exposed information potentially contains private data, incomplete payment card information and correspondence that were shared with the platform's support representatives.
Entire financial data remained secure, security codes, or messages and activity outside of interactions with Discord's service team were exposed, the company said.
Action Taken
All impacted users have been contacted and Discord is coordinating with law enforcement to investigate the matter, it mentioned additionally.
The company reported it has withdrawn the customer support provider's entry into the platform that was affected by the intrusion. Discord chose not to specify the external provider affected.
Divergent Reports
Some internet observers have asserted that the data breach was larger than Discord has disclosed.
A official for Discord stated that those claims are false and "part of an attempt to coerce funds" from the company.
"We will not reward those behind their illegal actions," the company official further stated.
Importance of Personal Data
Online intruders often pursue individual details, which can command a high price on the illegal marketplace for utilization in deceptive practices.
Information like full names and official ID numbers is particularly prized because, unlike credit card details, it typically remains unchanged over time.
Earlier Protection Steps
Discord has in the past strengthened its age-verification measures in reaction to concerns that certain channels on the platform were being utilized to circulate pornographic and extremist material.
- Approximately 70,000 users compromised
- Partner authentication service provider compromised
- Fragmentary financial information could be compromised
- Help desk communications potentially were obtained
- Authorities participating in investigation
