Brinztech Alert: The Alleged Employee Database of Pemerintah Kota Tangerang is Leaked

Dark Web News Analysis

The dark web news reports a targeted data breach involving the Pemerintah Kota Tangerang (Tangerang City Government). A threat actor is circulating a database specifically containing the records of Non-ASN (Non-Civil Servant) employees.

The dataset, covering the period of 2022-2023, reportedly contains 6,657 records available in XLS and PDF formats. The compromised fields include highly sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as NIK (National Identification Numbers), Full Names, Dates of Birth, and specific Work Units (Unit Kerja). The format (XLS/PDF) suggests this data may have been exfiltrated from an exported HR report or an insecure administrative dashboard rather than a direct database dump.

Key Cybersecurity Insights

Breaches of local government employee data, particularly Non-ASN staff, carry unique socioeconomic risks in the Indonesian context:

• The “Pinjol” Loan Fraud: The most critical threat is the exposure of the NIK. In Indonesia, the NIK is the primary identifier used to validate applications for “Pinjol” (online lending apps). Criminals can use the stolen NIKs, combined with Names and DOBs, to take out high-interest loans in the victims’ names, leaving these low-income contract workers with debilitating debt and harassment from debt collectors.
• “Tenure” Scams (CPNS Fraud): Non-ASN employees are often seeking permanent Civil Servant (PNS/PPPK) status. Attackers can use the Work Unit data to craft highly credible scams: “Department of [Work Unit]: You have been selected for fast-track permanent appointment. Pay the processing fee here.” The accurate internal details make the fraud difficult to detect.
• Bureaucratic Impersonation: With knowledge of the specific Work Unit, attackers can launch “CEO Fraud” or “Head of Service” impersonation attacks via WhatsApp. They can message employees pretending to be their direct supervisor, demanding urgent transfers of funds or purchase of phone credit.
• Credential Reuse: If these employees use government portals (e.g., for attendance or payroll), they likely use predictable passwords (often based on DOB, which is leaked). Attackers can compromise these accounts to pivot further into the city’s network.

Mitigation Strategies

To protect government staff and municipal infrastructure, the following strategies are recommended:

• SLIK OJK Monitoring: The government should advise all affected Non-ASN staff to check their credit status via SLIK OJK to ensure no illegal loans have been registered under their NIKs.
• Official HR Channels: Issue a strict advisory that all notifications regarding contract renewals or CPNS appointments will only be conducted through physical letters or official .go.id email domains, never via WhatsApp.
• Access Control Review: The IT department must review who has permissions to export “bulk” employee data to XLS/PDF and restrict this capability to prevent future insider leaks or account compromises.
• BSSN Reporting: As a government entity, this incident must be reported to the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) for forensic assistance and impact containment.

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