The Europol Platform for Experts (EPE) has allegedly faced a data breach incident, resulting in the leakage of sensitive data. According to the threat actor’s post, the Europol Platform for Experts data breach was first disclosed on July 6, 2024, by a solo threat actor known as IntelBroker, who posted on the BreachForums website claiming to have exfiltrated data from EPE back in May 2024. The Europol Platform for Experts breach was detailed in a post where IntelBroker shared a 120 MB zip file containing various documents such as PDFs, PPTs, and Excel files. These files reportedly include insights on cryptocurrency and blockchain analysis, as well as guidelines for combating online terrorist content (TCO).  The Europol Platform for Experts (EPE) is an online platform designed for professionals across various law enforcement disciplines. It facilitates the exchange of expertise, best practices, and non-personal data related to criminal activities. The EPE supports numerous online communities, each focused on a specific area of law enforcement.

The Europol Platform for Experts Data Breach Claims Surfaced on Dark Web

[caption id="attachment_80888" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] The leaked data allegedly encompassed source code from a website named TCO-DETECT+, which catalogs keywords and hashes associated with jihadist media outlets, violent extremist groups, and CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) threats. Europol, headquartered in The Hague and serving as the EU's law enforcement agency, has not yet issued an official statement addressing the breach or confirming the extent of the data compromised. The Cyber Express reached out to the Europol Platform for Experts for clarification but has not received a response as of the time of this report. This Europol Platform for Experts data breach marks a critical security lapse for Europol, impacting not only its internal operations but also potentially compromising sensitive information related to law enforcement across Europe and the UK. The EPE data breach highlights vulnerabilities within governmental and law enforcement sectors concerning cybersecurity.

A Similar Incident from the Past

Earlier this year, IntelBroker had claimed responsibility for another cyberattack on Europol. The breach purportedly exposed internal platforms like SIRIUS and EC3 SPACE, highlighting the infiltration's breadth and potential impact on Europol's operational integrity. However, Europol clarified that its core operational systems remained secure, mitigating the risk of compromised operational data. As the investigation into the Europol Platform for Experts data breach continues, stakeholders across Europe are closely monitoring developments. This is an ongoing story, and The Cyber Express will closely monitor the situation. We’ll update this post once we have more information or any official confirmation from the organization.  Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.