VpnMentor reports that researcher Jeremiah Fowler discovered 13 non-password-protected databases that contained 4.6 million documents, including voter records, ballots, multiple lists, and election-related records.
Through his research, Fowler found that the data was owned by Platinum Technology Resource/Platinum Elections Services.
Once I was reasonably sure who managed the database, I sent a responsible disclosure notice to Platinum Technology Resource. However, in a follow up review the next day, I noticed the database was still publicly accessible. In an attempt to identify other contact details, I found several additional FOIA documents indicating an Illinois-based technology company called Magenium is responsible for the technical support of Platinum Elections Services. During a phone call to Magenium, I was told that they are a partner of Platinum Technology Resource and that they would look into my findings. A day after sending Magenium a responsible disclosure notice, the databases were restricted. In a phone call a representative from Magenium confirmed their closure of the databases and that Platinum Election Services was aware of the situation. It is not known how long the documents were exposed or if anyone else gained access. Only an internal forensic audit could identify additional access or suspicious activity.
Fowler describes the exposed records as containing .csv documents with lists of available or active voters, absentees, early mail-in voting records, and duplicate voters.
Other documents marked as “voter records” contained far more potentially sensitive personal information, including full name, physical address, some email addresses, date of birth, SSN (full and partial) or driver’s license number, and historical voting records. The database also contained copies of voter registration applications, death certificates, and records of change of address, jurisdiction, or state.
Because many states make voter registration and historical voting records publicly available, DataBreaches checked Illinois state law. Their state law allows state political committees and government entities to receive the statewide voter list, at a cost. The statewide voter list is also available for public view on a computer screen at the State Board of Elections office during normal business hours, but the person viewing the list may not print, duplicate, transmit, or alter the list. The list contains name, sex, residence, telephone number, age, and party affiliation. It can only be used for non-commercial, political purposes. What Fowler discovered contained a lot more than just the official voter registration list.
Read more at VpnMentor.