Cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler reported a major data exposure to vpnMentor involving an unprotected and unencrypted database with 3,587,960 PDF records totaling 292 GB. The database, likely belonging to Australian fashion brand SABO, included invoices, shipping info, return details, and customer PII such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails. Some PDFs held up to 50 order pages, suggesting millions of customer records may have been affected. The data dated from 2015 to 2025 and appeared to come from SABO’s internal sales and logistics system.
Once discovered, Fowler responsibly disclosed the breach, and public access was restricted within hours. However, SABO never responded. It remains unclear whether the breach involved SABO directly or a third-party vendor, or how long the database was exposed.
The exposed data poses privacy and security risks. Criminals could exploit purchase histories for phishing or social engineering, using real order details to craft convincing scams. Brushing scams are also possible, where stolen contact info is used to send unsolicited packages and post fake reviews. In 2025, email accounts remain a major attack vector, responsible for over 90% of cyberattacks and malware distribution.
Fowler advises vigilance: verify email senders, avoid suspicious links, and don’t open untrusted attachments. Companies must enforce strong cloud storage practices, use encryption, enable multi-factor authentication, apply security configurations, and train staff to identify phishing threats. Backups should be segmented and monitored regularly.
Fowler does not accuse SABO or any party of wrongdoing. His findings serve to highlight the importance of cybersecurity and responsible data handling. As an ethical researcher, he does not retain or share data and publishes disclosures solely to promote awareness and prevention.
This article is based on findings by vpnMentor and cybersecurity analyst Jeremiah Fowler.
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