Experts call this intervention the biggest data leak in the history of the country in the field of cyber security. In total, more than 23 terabytes of data belonging to Chinese residents were allegedly stolen.

What was stolen and how much did it cost

Interestingly, the attack and leak comes after China promised to improve the protection of internet users’ information by ordering tech giants to better hide it after public complaints of mismanagement and abuse.

According to information posted on a cybercrime forum, the database contains the following data:

• Full names.
• Addresses.
• Birth dates and places.
• ID cards.
• Information about crimes.
• Phone numbers.

As reported by the media, the extent of the leak shocked Chinese cybersecurity experts. Some even began to doubt that this could really happen.

On June 30, an offer to purchase a data archive appeared on Breach Forums by a user with the alias ChinaDan. There is no confirmation as to the authenticity of the archive, but if it does, it would be the largest known data leak in Chinese history. They asked for the entire data array 10 bitcoins equivalent to approximately US$200,000. The transaction was closed on July 3 – only six bitcoins were offered for the archive so far. It is unclear whether the sale was made.

According to the source, Chinese authorities, especially the police department, declined to comment. It was also not possible to communicate with the ChinaDan hacker. Meanwhile, the hashtag associated with the data leak was blocked on the social network Weibo, which sparked active discussions among Chinese citizens.