By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A former software engineer from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been accused of stealing personal data of hundreds of millions of Americans from the Social Security Administration, including Social Security numbers and birth dates, and storing it on a thumb drive. This alleged theft occurred after the engineer left the SSA for a government contractor, where he reportedly bragged about possessing two restricted databases, “Numident” and the “Master Death File.” The Social Security Administration spokesperson denied the allegations, calling the report “fake news,” while the SSA’s inspector general is reportedly investigating the whistleblower complaint, marking the latest in a series of concerns surrounding DOGE’s involvement with the agency’s sensitive data.
Read the original article here
A concerning report has surfaced suggesting that a former employee of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, allegedly stole a vast amount of sensitive personal data belonging to Americans from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). This data, including Social Security numbers and other highly private details, was reportedly copied onto a thumb drive. The allegations stem from a whistleblower complaint that has garnered attention, with the SSA’s inspector general reportedly looking into the matter.
The former DOGE software engineer, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, allegedly boasted to colleagues at his new job that he possessed two highly restricted databases of U.S. citizens’ information. These databases, identified as “Numident” and the “Master Death File,” are said to contain records for an astonishing number of Americans, both living and deceased. The potential scope of this data breach is immense, possibly encompassing details like Social Security numbers, dates and places of birth, citizenship status, race and ethnicity, and even parents’ names.
According to the report, the individual claimed to have previously enjoyed unrestricted, almost “God-level” access to the SSA’s systems while employed there. This alleged level of access raises serious questions about the security protocols and oversight in place within the agency during that period. The individual reportedly left the SSA last year and then moved to work for a government contractor, where these claims about possessing the restricted databases were made.
This incident is not an isolated event, according to the information available. It appears to be part of a pattern of alleged data mishandling linked to DOGE and its involvement with the Social Security Administration. Earlier this year, two DOGE members were implicated in suspicions of accessing and sharing Social Security numbers that were off-limits to them. This alleged act was reportedly part of an effort to assist an advocacy group aiming to overturn election results in certain states.
Furthermore, another whistleblower had previously raised concerns about DOGE members jeopardizing Americans’ security by uploading millions of Social Security records to a vulnerable cloud server. The scale of these alleged breaches is staggering, painting a picture of significant laxity in data protection. In a separate development last year, a judge even stepped in to block DOGE from accessing SSA systems, characterizing the agency’s actions as essentially a “fishing expedition” in search of fraud, highlighting the deep-seated concerns about their methods and intentions.
The implications of such a large-scale data theft are far-reaching and deeply troubling. Having Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers on a thumb drive, allegedly possessed by a former employee, presents an enormous risk for identity theft and various forms of fraud. The sheer volume of data potentially compromised suggests that a significant portion of the American population could be at risk. This situation underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures and stringent data access controls within government agencies.
The fact that an individual allegedly claimed such extensive access and then reportedly absconded with sensitive data on portable storage raises critical questions about internal accountability and the effectiveness of security checks. The SSA’s inspector general’s involvement indicates the seriousness with which these allegations are being treated. However, the absence of immediate public information about arrests or charges leaves many concerned about the pace and transparency of the investigation.
The repeated allegations of data breaches and questionable practices linked to DOGE and its personnel warrant a thorough and transparent investigation. The trust placed in government agencies to protect the personal information of citizens is paramount. This latest report, if substantiated, represents a severe breach of that trust and highlights the urgent need for accountability and improved security protocols to prevent future incidents of this magnitude. The potential for widespread harm to individuals whose data has been compromised is a significant concern that needs to be addressed with utmost urgency. The idea of individuals with unrestricted access to such sensitive information potentially misusing it is a chilling prospect that demands a comprehensive response from all relevant authorities.