Passport Data Breach Analysis: A Geographic Breakdown

This article, “Passport Data Breach Analysis: A Geographic Breakdown,” discusses a data breach of 35,417 passport records, with a significant number belonging to citizens of the UK, US, and Australia. The breach appears to originate from a vulnerable Somali eVisa system, which is especially dangerous because it could expose travelers’ information to the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

Key takeaways:

• Somalia eVisa Warning: The article strongly advises against using the Somalia eVisa system due to security vulnerabilities that could put travelers at risk. It recommends applying for visas on arrival or directly through embassies/consulates.

• Al-Shabaab Threat: Unlike typical data breaches, this one is particularly concerning because the compromised data could fall into the hands of Al-Shabaab, enabling them to target Western travelers, gather intelligence, and potentially conduct kidnappings or other attacks.

• Geographic Breakdown: The article provides a detailed breakdown of the compromised passports by country. The UK, US, and Australia are heavily affected, with over 5,500 passports exposed. Other Western nations like the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Canada also have a significant number of passports compromised.

• Risks to Western Citizens: The breach poses immediate risks of identity theft, financial fraud, and travel security issues. Long-term concerns include the potential for the data to be sold on the dark web and used for comprehensive identity profiling, possibly even by state-sponsored actors.

• Recommended Actions: The article advises affected citizens to contact their respective passport authorities (HM Passport Office in the UK, Department of State in the US, and the Australian Passport Office) to report the compromised passport and request a security review. It also urges governments to flag the compromised passport numbers and issue public advisories.

The complete analysis piece is as follows:

Passport Data Breach Analysis: A Geographic Breakdown

By Abdi Daud

A recent data breach has exposed a database containing 35,417 passport records, including 5,546 passports from the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. This analysis provides a geographic breakdown of the compromised documents, revealing alarming exposure of Western citizens’ sensitive identity information.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: DO NOT USE EVISA SERVICES

This breach appears to have originated from an eVisa or online visa application service. If you are planning international travel:

DO NOT APPLY FOR EVISA THROUGH THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

• ❌ DO NOT use Somalia eVisa website
• ❌ DO NOT submit passport data to Somalia
• ✅ ONLY use visa on arrival or cancel your visits
• ✅ APPLY DIRECTLY through embassy or consulate websites

Don’t become the next victim.

Background: Somalia’s eVisa Vulnerability

As previously reported, Somalia’s eVisa system has catastrophic security vulnerabilities that directly expose travelers to Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization operating in Somalia.

Why This Is Uniquely Dangerous

Unlike typical data breaches where criminals sell passport data on the dark web, the Somalia eVisa breach puts your information directly in the hands of terrorists:

Al-Shabaab’s Known Capabilities:

• Active terrorist operations throughout Somalia
• Sophisticated intelligence gathering on Western targets
• History of kidnapping and executing foreign nationals
• Access to compromised government systems
• Targeting of international travelers, aid workers, and journalists

What Al-Shabaab Can Do With Your Passport Data:

1. Pre-Arrival Targeting: Know exactly when and where you’re arriving in Somalia
2. Identity Verification: Confirm your Western nationality for kidnapping operations
3. Travel Pattern Analysis: Track movements of Western government contractors, military personnel, and aid workers
4. Hotel and Accommodation Data: Many eVisa systems collect this information
5. Contact Information: Phone numbers and email addresses for social engineering attacks
6. Biometric Photos: Facial recognition to identify you in public spaces

Geographic Threat Assessment

High-Risk Nationalities in This Breach:

The 561 Somalia passport records combined with the 3,027 UK, 2,298 US, and 221 Australian passports create a perfect intelligence database for Al-Shabaab operations:

• UK Passport Holders: 3,027 potential targets for kidnapping
• US Passport Holders: 2,298 potential targets
• Australian Passport Holders: 221 potential targets
• Aid Workers and Contractors: Anyone with Western passport traveling to Somalia is now identified

⚠️ FINAL WARNING: SOMALIA EVISA IS A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT TO ALL COUNTRIES

Geographic Distribution

Western Nations at Risk

The breach has exposed thousands of Western passport holders to significant identity theft and fraud risks:

These three nations alone account for over 15% of all compromised passports, representing one of the largest exposures of Anglo-American passport data in recent history.

Additional Western Exposure

Combined Western/Developed Nations: Over 10,000 passports (28.2%) from NATO allies, Five Eyes partners, and EU member states.

Full Country Breakdown

Remaining countries have fewer than 46 records each

| TOTAL | 200+ Countries | All Countries | 35,417 | 100.00% |

Security Implications

For UK, US, and Australian Citizens

Immediate Risks:

• Identity Theft: Over 5,500 Western passport holders face premium-tier identity fraud risk
• Financial Fraud: British, American, and Australian identities command highest prices for sophisticated financial crimes
• Travel Security: Compromised passport numbers may be exploited for illegal border crossings
• Diplomatic Vulnerability: Potential for passport cloning affecting government officials, contractors, and military personnel

Long-Term Concerns:

• Documents may be sold repeatedly on dark web marketplaces
• Information can be combined with other breaches for comprehensive identity profiles
• Potential state-sponsored exploitation of Western citizen data

Immediate Actions:

1. Contact Your Passport Authority:

• • UK: HM Passport Office – Report compromised passport
  • US: Department of State – Report passport fraud
  • Australia: Australian Passport Office – Request security review

For Governments:

1. Immediate Response:

• • UK Home Office, US DHS, and Australian Border Force should flag all compromised passport numbers
  • Coordinate through Five Eyes intelligence sharing
  • Issue public advisories to affected citizens

⚠️ FINAL WARNING: DO NOT APPLY FOR SOMALIA EVISA ⚠️

Analysis conducted November 11, 2025. Data source: Leaked passport database containing 35,417 records.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for educational and security awareness purposes. If you believe your passport information may have been compromised, contact your national passport authority immediately.

About the Author

Abdi Daud

Technologist & Somaliland Advocate

Abdi Daud is a Melbourne-based technologist and passionate advocate for Somaliland. His blog offers a unique perspective on technology, politics, and life experiences, with a focus on Somaliland’s journey toward recognition and the intersection of technology with geopolitics. He believes in technology’s transformative power and the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices. As a Cultural Ambassador for the Association of Somaliland Community in Australia, he strengthens cultural ties between Somaliland and Australia.

Views are writers’ own and do not necessarily represent those of The Saxafi Media.