My MongoDB Database Got Hacked – Lessons Learned

What Happened? While working on my project, I discovered that my MongoDB database was hacked. The attacker left a ransom note demanding 0.0053 BTC, threatening to publicly disclose and delete my data within 48 hours. The Hacker's Leftover Signs When I opened my MongoDB instance, I noticed something unusual: My original collections were gone. A new collection appeared: READ_ME_TO_RECOVER_YOUR... Inside, there was a single document containing a ransom note. Here’s what the ransom note said: All your data is backed up. You must pay X BTC to [REDACTED]. In 48 hours, your data will be publicly disclosed and deleted. After paying, send an email to [REDACTED] At first, I panicked. But then I realized: Thank God this was only the development database and not production! How Did the Hack Happen? After investigating, I found that my MongoDB database was exposed to the internet without authentication

Mar 4, 2025 - 12:42

My MongoDB Database Got Hacked – Lessons Learned

What Happened?
While working on my project, I discovered that my MongoDB database was hacked. The attacker left a ransom note demanding 0.0053 BTC, threatening to publicly disclose and delete my data within 48 hours.

The Hacker's Leftover Signs
When I opened my MongoDB instance, I noticed something unusual:

My original collections were gone.
A new collection appeared: READ_ME_TO_RECOVER_YOUR...
Inside, there was a single document containing a ransom note.

Here’s what the ransom note said:
All your data is backed up. You must pay X BTC to [REDACTED]. In 48 hours, your data will be publicly disclosed and deleted. After paying, send an email to [REDACTED]
At first, I panicked. But then I realized: Thank God this was only the development database and not production!

How Did the Hack Happen?

After investigating, I found that my MongoDB database was exposed to the internet without authentication