Area 51 Data Breach: 18GB of Classified Military Documents Allegedly Leaked on Underground Forum
Threat actor claims to leak 18GB of alleged Area 51 data on underground forum
Threat actor claims to leak 18GB of alleged Area 51 data on underground forum
- A threat actor using the alias bxxxx1 has posted approximately 18GB of purported Area 51 data for sale on BreachForums (https://breachforums.st/Thread-DOCUMENTS-Area-51-leak), a prominent underground forum that replaced the defunct RaidForums platform.
- The alleged dataset contains classified documents related to US military and intelligence operations, including materials from the Army, Air Force, FBI, and NSA. To verify the authenticity, the threat actor released a preview package with two dozen images and 8 Department of Defense/Intelligence Community folders.
- Cybersecurity researchers analyzing the preview materials suggest the 1,800+ files and videos may largely consist of publicly available documents, though some content could retain classified status. Their initial assessment indicates the data represents a curated collection rather than evidence of direct system compromise.
- The complete 18GB archive has been made available through a Mega.nz file sharing link (https://mega.nz/folder/pjlTHaBQ#GaKBtj6GQXku9Q4EpJLOgg), with researchers still working to verify the authenticity and sensitivity level of the full dataset. The incident has raised concerns about the exposure of government information.
- BreachForums has emerged as a significant platform for trading leaked data and hacking tools within cybercriminal circles since its launch, highlighting persistent challenges around securing sensitive government data from exposure on dark web marketplaces.
