After approximately 12-14 hours following the initial publication of this news report, the individual responsible for the website made alterations. Upon entering a phone number and clicking on “Track Details,” users are now redirected to a pornographic website. It appears that the surge in website traffic prompted this individual to change the website’s functionality to mislead visitors and direct them to a pornographic site.
Regarding the mobile data aspect, the website now displays an error message stating that the number is not found. For those curious about the extent of tracking possible with just a phone number, ProxyEarth, a dubious website created by an individual named Rakesh, offers a glimpse. This serves as a stark example of the potential risks associated with unauthorized access to or insecure telecom infrastructure.
ProxyEarth, a website recently uncovered, is disclosing location details, potentially including real-time location, of phone users in India. By simply inputting a phone number into the website, users can access detailed information. At times, it even reveals a phone user’s live location by leveraging triangulation data from telecom towers, demonstrating a disconcertingly high level of accuracy and a broad scope of information.
The website that emerged a few days ago—previously discussed in our articles here and here—is still operational and can be accessed effortlessly. Upon visiting the site, inputting a phone number yields details such as the user’s full name, father’s name, address, alternate number, email ID, and other information. This data is sourced from telecom records that individuals typically provide to network providers like Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone when purchasing a SIM card. While some data may be outdated, many users will undoubtedly be alarmed to see their personal information publicly accessible in this manner.
India Today had the opportunity to interview the individual behind the website, known as Rakesh, who identifies as a programmer and video editor, possibly managing websites that distribute pirated content. Rakesh defended his creation of ProxyEarth by asserting that he was utilizing data already available on the internet due to various data breaches. He clarified that the website serves as a platform to attract traffic and promote his other products.
This data breach is a matter of grave concern as it exposes private information of individuals. The current incident is particularly alarming due to the sensitive nature of the leaked data, which could potentially be exploited for elaborate financial fraud schemes, aside from the blatant invasion of privacy resulting from details like father’s names and residential addresses being divulged online.
The fact that the website has been openly accessible for nearly a week raises further alarm. It remains online, with Rakesh actively engaged on various web platforms, including social media, heightening concerns about the continuous exposure of private data to potential misuse.