Impact & Downstream Threats
This breach carries high risk due to the nature of exposed data fields and the scale of affected records.
- Credential stuffing against reused passwords across other platforms
- Targeted phishing campaigns using exposed email addresses
- Doxxing risk from physical address exposure
Breach Intelligence
Executive Summary
In February 2016, the website for the Linux distro known as Linux Mint was hacked and the ISO infected with a backdoor. The site also ran a phpBB forum which was subsequently put up for sale complete with almost 145k email addresses, passwords and other personal subscriber information.
About Linux Mint
Open-source Linux distribution project.
Data Points Exposed
Dark Web Verification
Status: Confirmed
- Dataset containing approximately 145K records identified in breach intelligence sources.
- The data is indexed and searchable across breach notification platforms.
Recommended Actions
⚠️ Do not assume this is low sensitivity.
Non-clients may request a breach impact review.
Frequently Asked Questions
In February 2016, Linux Mint experienced a data breach that exposed approximately 145K records containing personal information.
The exposed data includes fields such as activity history:website activity, date of birth, email address, geographic locations, ip address.
Approximately 145K records were affected based on current breach intelligence.
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ObscureIQ Advisory
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- A public-facing individual
- A high-profile executive
- A customer of Linux Mint
- Or concerned about credential reuse
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