Personal contact information belonging to several high-profile Hollywood figures was reportedly exposed online following an alleged data breach involving databases linked to the Tribeca Film Festival.
The alleged security lapse was identified by cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, who described it as one of the most significant celebrity-related data exposures he has encountered.
According to Fowler, three publicly accessible databases connected to the New York-based festival contained records that allegedly included private email addresses and phone numbers associated with prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
Among those reportedly affected were Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro, actress Angelina Jolie, filmmaker Martin Scorsese, Star Wars creator George Lucas, actors Neil Patrick Harris, Rami Malek, Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas, along with British filmmaker Danny Boyle.
Fowler warned that the exposed information could have been valuable to cybercriminals seeking to launch phishing campaigns or distribute malicious software.
He noted that the incident was particularly concerning because many of the individuals involved are known for taking extensive measures to safeguard their personal information and limit public access to their contact details.
After discovering the exposed databases, Fowler said he notified the Tribeca Film Festival, prompting the information to be removed from public view. He later received confirmation from a legal representative that the organisation had begun investigating the matter.
According to Fowler, the festival responded quickly, suggesting officials recognised that the databases should not have been publicly accessible.
A source familiar with the matter told The Sun that most of the exposed contact details reportedly belonged to agents, managers and other representatives rather than the celebrities themselves.
The Tribeca Film Festival has not issued a public statement regarding the reported breach.
At present, there is no evidence that the exposed information was accessed by malicious actors or used for fraudulent purposes before the databases were secured. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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