Gravatar Data Breach
Status: Confirmed
Breach Intelligence Summary
Entity: Gravatar · Actor: Unknown · Source: DataBreach.com / ObscureIQ intelligence
Attack: Data Scraping via Automated scraping
Timeline: Breach (Oct, 2020) · Reported (Dec, 2021) · Leak (12/1/24)
Exposure: 114M+ records · Email, Name, Names, Phone Number, Usernames
Status: Confirmed · Risk: Low (Phishing / SIM swap)
Summary
In October 2020 a security researcher demonstrated a method to scrape extensive data from Gravatar leading to the distribution of user information within the hacking community. Gravatar later released an FAQ addressing the incident.
About Gravatar
Gravatar is the organization affected by this breach. User data may have been generated through account creation, service usage, or business operations.
If you have interacted with Gravatar in any capacity, your data may be included in this breach.
Threat Actor: Unknown
The threat actor responsible for this breach has not been publicly identified or confirmed at this time.
- Automated scraping
Breach Exploitation Status
Low
Status
Unknown
Possible
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
1–3 years
Email addresses and usernames persist but credentials may rotate. Phishing risk remains elevated during this window.
Data Points Exposed
Dark Web Verification
Status: Confirmed
- Dataset containing approximately 114M+ records has been identified in breach intelligence sources.
- The data is indexed and searchable across breach notification platforms.
Impact
This breach carries low risk due to the nature of exposed data fields and the scale of affected records.
- Targeted phishing referencing Gravatar accounts or services
- SIM-swap attempts where phone numbers are present
- Data broker enrichment and resale
Recommendations for Impacted Individuals
If you believe your information may be included:
Non-clients may request a breach impact review.
Gravatar account updates
Password reset requests
Verify directly through official channels.
Email compromise is often the first pivot point.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Oct, 2020, Gravatar experienced a data breach that resulted in the exposure of approximately 114M+ records containing personal information.
The exposed data includes Email, Name, Names, Phone Number, Usernames.
Approximately 114M+ records were affected based on current breach intelligence.
Yes. This breach is treated as confirmed based on data observed in breach intelligence platforms.
Data circulation has been reported across breach-sharing channels. Downstream exploitation risk exists based on the nature of the exposed fields.
Rotate passwords associated with Gravatar, enable multi-factor authentication on email and financial accounts, and monitor for suspicious activity.
Protect Yourself
Check If You’re Affected
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High-Risk? Get an Exposure Audit
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Corporate Accountability
Organizations that collect personal data have a duty to implement reasonable safeguards and to notify affected individuals when breaches occur.
Scope assessments may evolve as investigations continue. Users should not rely solely on early estimates when making risk decisions.
ObscureIQ Advisory
We combine proprietary dark web access with commercial and restricted breach intelligence to verify exposure and assess real-world risk.
- A public-facing individual
- A high-profile executive
- A customer of Gravatar
- Or simply concerned about credential reuse
We can confirm whether your information is circulating and evaluate downstream threat vectors.