Brinztech Alert: The Alleged Database of Nazdika is on Sale

Dark Web News Analysis

The dark web news reports a significant data breach involving Nazdika, a popular Iranian social media and dating application. A threat actor on a hacker forum (often identified as “ShadowCollector” or similar aliases in related sales) is actively selling a database allegedly containing over 12.7 million user records.

The compromised dataset is reportedly 4.2 GB in size and includes highly sensitive personal information. The exposed fields include Usernames, Mobile Phone Numbers, Email Addresses, Hashed Passwords, Profile Metadata (follower counts, bio), and critically, Geolocation Tags from posts.

Key Cybersecurity Insights

Breaches of social platforms in restrictive internet environments like Iran carry severe risks beyond standard cybercrime:

• Surveillance & Physical Safety: The most critical threat is the exposure of Geolocation Tags and Phone Numbers. In the context of Iran’s strict internet regulations, this data can be used by state-sponsored actors or vigilante groups to deanonymize users, track their physical movements, and target individuals involved in dissent or “immoral” activities (as defined by local laws).
• Social Graph Mapping: Access to Profile Metadata and follower lists allows analysts to map social connections. If one user is targeted, their entire network of friends and interactions can be scrutinized, potentially putting vulnerable communities at risk.
• Credential Stuffing: The presence of Hashed Passwords (depending on the hashing algorithm used, e.g., MD5 vs. bcrypt) poses a risk. If the hashes are weak, attackers can crack them and use the passwords to hijack accounts on other platforms like Instagram or Telegram, which are widely used in the region.
• Sim Swap & Smishing: With valid Mobile Numbers, attackers can launch SMS phishing campaigns pretending to be “Nazdika Support” or government entities, tricking users into clicking malicious links that install spyware.

Mitigation Strategies

To protect users and their digital identities, the following strategies are recommended:

• Profile Anonymization: Users should immediately review their privacy settings. If possible, delete historical location data from posts and avoid using real photos or identifiable names on niche platforms.
• Password Rotation: Change passwords immediately on Nazdika and any other site where the same password was reused. Use a password manager to generate unique, complex credentials.
• 2FA Adoption: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Since SMS 2FA can be intercepted in some regions, prefer using app-based authenticators (like Google Authenticator) or hardware keys.
• VPN Usage: When accessing such platforms, users should utilize a reputable VPN to mask their real IP address, adding a layer of difficulty for anyone attempting to correlate the leaked data with real-time activity.

Secure Your Business with Brinztech — Global Cybersecurity Solutions

Brinztech protects organizations worldwide from evolving cyber threats. Whether you’re a startup or a global enterprise, our expert solutions keep your digital assets safe and your operations running smoothly.

Questions or Feedback?

For expert advice, use our ‘Ask an Analyst’ feature. Brinztech does not warrant the validity of external claims. For general inquiries or to report this post, please email us: contact@brinztech.com