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5d ago

Whistleblower Alleges DOGE Copied Social Security Master File to Risky Cloud

The SSA chief data officer’s complaint says officials overrode security warnings to make an unmonitored copy after the Supreme Court cleared broader access in June.

The Department of Government Efficiency uploaded a database containing records of all Social Security numbers issued by the federal government, full names, addresses, birth dates and other details that could be used to steal their identities, according to the complaint obtained by the New York Times.
A sign in front of the entrance of the Security Administration's main campus on March 19, 2025 in Woodlawn, Maryland.
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Overview

  • The disclosure alleges a live copy of the NUMIDENT file—containing SSNs, names, birth data, parents’ identifiers, citizenship details and more for hundreds of millions—was placed in a cloud environment lacking independent oversight or access tracking.
  • Internal memos cited in the filing show SSA CIO Aram Moghaddassi approved the move and wrote he accepted all risks, with additional approvals attributed to DOGE-aligned officials including Michael Russo.
  • An SSA security assessment referenced in the complaint labeled the setup high risk and warned that unauthorized access could have catastrophic impact on beneficiaries and programs.
  • SSA says personal data is stored in longstanding, internet-walled systems overseen by career officials and that it is not aware of any compromise to the referenced environment.
  • The complaint, submitted to the Office of Special Counsel and congressional committees, follows a March court order limiting DOGE’s access that the Supreme Court stayed on June 6, and further oversight inquiries are expected.