IntelX WHOIS Data Breach
Status: Confirmed
Breach Intelligence Summary
Entity: IntelX WHOIS · Actor: Unknown · Source: DataBreach.com / ObscureIQ intelligence
Attack: Social Engineering via Social engineering
Timeline: Breach (Jan, 2021) · Reported (Dec, 2024) · Leak (12/1/24)
Exposure: 425.3M+ records · Email, Phone Number, Name, Home Address
Status: Confirmed · Risk: Moderate (Phishing / SIM swap)
Summary
​In 2021 a substantial data scrape known as the Intelx Whois Scrape 2021 was released online comprising over 400 million unique email addresses and approximately 280 GB of uncompressed data. This dataset was reportedly extracted by a user identified as “pompompurin” from the Intelx.io platform a service specializing in aggregating and indexing public data from various sources including WHOIS records Pastebin and other public repositories. The scrape encompassed WHOIS data spanning from 2012 to 2021 capturing a significant portion of Intelx’s publicly accessible records at the time. ​ The exposed information included email addresses phone numbers physical addresses and details about websites and domains associated with the users. Notably the dataset did not contain passwords as it primarily comprised publicly available WHOIS information. However the inclusion of personal details such as phone numbers and physical addresses posed potential privacy risks as this information could be utilized for social engineering attacks or other malicious activities. ​ The breach was publicly disclosed in late 2021 when the dataset was shared on hacking forums.
About IntelX WHOIS
IntelX WHOIS 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 IntelX WHOIS 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.
- Social engineering
Breach Exploitation Status
Moderate
Status
Detected
Possible
Possible
Unknown
Unknown
3–5 years
Phone numbers and addresses change over time but remain valid long enough for sustained exploitation campaigns.
Data Points Exposed
Dark Web Verification
Status: Confirmed
- Dataset containing approximately 425.3M+ records has been identified in breach intelligence sources.
- The data is indexed and searchable across breach notification platforms.
Impact
This breach carries moderate risk due to the nature of exposed data fields and the scale of affected records.
- Targeted phishing referencing IntelX WHOIS accounts or services
- SIM-swap attempts where phone numbers are present
- Physical mail scams and address-based identity verification fraud
- 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.
IntelX WHOIS account updates
Password reset requests
Verify directly through official channels.
Email compromise is often the first pivot point.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Jan, 2021, IntelX WHOIS experienced a data breach that resulted in the exposure of approximately 425.3M+ records containing personal information.
The exposed data includes Email, Phone Number, Name, Home Address.
Approximately 425.3M+ 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 detected across breach-sharing channels. Downstream exploitation risk exists based on the nature of the exposed fields.
Rotate passwords associated with IntelX WHOIS, enable multi-factor authentication on email and financial accounts, and monitor for suspicious activity.
Protect Yourself
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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 IntelX WHOIS
- Or simply concerned about credential reuse
We can confirm whether your information is circulating and evaluate downstream threat vectors.