A group of unidentified hackers has successfully breached the Taliban’s databases, leaking a significant amount of sensitive documents. These documents reportedly originate from 21 different ministries and government agencies under the Taliban’s control. Among the files released, some appear to be classified, and they encompass a variety of ministries, including finance, justice, foreign affairs, information and culture, telecommunications, and mining. Additionally, documents from the Supreme Court and the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice were included in the leak.
The leaked information has been published on a website known as “Talibleaks,” where hundreds of documents have been made accessible.
According to reports, the files reveal sensitive details, including the detention of foreign nationals. As of January 2024, it’s claimed that around 80 foreign nationals, including six women, are being held in Taliban-run prisons. This disclosure could have significant implications for foreign relations, especially concerning the treatment of prisoners held under Taliban rule.
In response to the breach, the Taliban’s Ministry of Information has acknowledged the leak and confirmed that documents from several of its departments have been exposed. The ministry, however, stated that it believes these documents were obtained through individual computers that lacked proper security measures. This suggests that the hackers may have exploited weak points within the Taliban’s internal systems, rather than breaching the central government database directly.
Despite the leak, Taliban officials have denied that the central government database was compromised. This stance has raised further questions about the overall security measures employed by the Taliban to protect their sensitive data. The incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity risks faced by governmental bodies, especially those in conflict zones where access to sensitive information can be a valuable target for attackers.
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