January 30, 2025 - Cybersecurity IT Services Zero Trust Security

A hacker group leaks data of 15000 Fortinet firewalls, causing a global security scare. This incident has shed light on alarming practices in the IT security industry and the critical importance of transparency and proactive defense strategies.

At Zevonix, we prioritize security through transparency and effective solutions, contrasting with competitors who often fail to act quickly, leaving businesses vulnerable. In this article, we explore the details of the breach, why it happened, and how organizations can prevent similar incidents.

Hacker Group Leaks Data of 15000 Fortinet Firewalls: The Incident

On January 14, 2025, a hacker collective calling themselves the Belsen Group made headlines after leaking data from approximately 15000 Fortinet firewalls. The leaked information contains sensitive data, including:

• IP addresses
• Device configurations
• Plaintext usernames and passwords
• Device management certificates
• Firewall rules

According to security researcher Kevin Beaumont, the data is genuine. His analysis confirmed that the leaked files could be matched to internet-exposed Fortinet devices using the Shodan search engine. Beaumont’s findings also suggest that this breach originated in October 2022, when a known vulnerability—CVE-2022–40684—was exploited.

The Exploitation of CVE-2022–40684

The hacker group leaks data of 15,000 Fortinet firewalls after exploiting a zero-day vulnerability identified as CVE-2022–40684. Fortinet disclosed this critical flaw in October 2022 and warned customers that cybercriminals were actively exploiting it.

A zero-day vulnerability refers to a security flaw unknown to the software vendor before attackers discover and exploit it. After Fortinet’s initial disclosure, a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit was made public, causing exploitation attempts to surge. Despite urgent warnings from Fortinet, many organizations failed to patch their devices in time, leaving their networks exposed to potential breaches.

Within weeks, cybercriminals began selling access to compromised networks. Now, two years later, the data from these attacks has finally surfaced, highlighting the long-term risks of delayed security updates.

How Organizations Are Still at Risk

Even though the vulnerability was disclosed and patched in 2022, the hacker group leaks data of 15,000 Fortinet firewalls in 2025, demonstrating how long-term risks persist. Beaumont warned that many of the affected devices are still online and reachable. For organizations that delayed patching or were compromised before applying the update, the leaked configuration data could expose critical infrastructure details.

Having access to complete firewall rules and credentials provides attackers with a detailed roadmap to bypass security controls. Even patched systems may remain vulnerable if compromised configurations were never reset or resecured. This reinforces the importance of not only patching vulnerabilities but also performing full post-incident reviews to assess for breaches.

Industry Practices That Put You at Risk

Yes, the title is, hacker group leaks data of 15,000 Fortinet firewalls, but why do such incidents keep happening? Knowledge of Computer Support for Business or in many cases, the answer lies in poor practices among certain IT providers. These include:

1. Neglecting Patch Management

Many service providers fail to keep their clients’ systems updated, often due to cost-cutting measures or lack of expertise. When vulnerabilities like CVE-2022–40684 emerge, these providers may delay applying security updates, leaving clients exposed to preventable attacks.

2. Lack of Transparency

Some providers hide security incidents from their clients, fearing reputational damage. As a result, clients remain unaware of breaches and may continue operating under the false belief that their systems are secure.

3. Inadequate Monitoring and Response

Cybersecurity is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” solution. Continuous monitoring and timely responses are essential to prevent attacks. Unfortunately, some providers fail to offer this level of service, leaving vulnerabilities unaddressed for months or even years.

How Zevonix Stands Apart

At Zevonix, we understand the importance of trust, transparency, and proactive defense. When headlines like hacker group leaks data of 15,000 Fortinet firewalls emerge, businesses want assurance that their IT partner is taking every step to prevent similar risks. Here’s how we deliver IT Security and Support for your peace of mind:

1. Proactive Vulnerability Management

We regularly assess and patch vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Our team stays ahead of emerging threats, ensuring that your systems are protected against the latest security flaws.

2. Full Transparency

If an incident occurs, you won’t be left in the dark. We provide clear, timely communication about security events, including recommendations for mitigation and recovery. Unlike others, we prioritize client trust over secrecy.

3. Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response

Our advanced monitoring solutions detect threats in real-time. In the event of suspicious activity, we act quickly to investigate, contain, and resolve the issue, minimizing downtime and data exposure.

4. Security-Focused Configuration Reviews

Even after a vulnerability is patched, configurations may still contain risks. We conduct comprehensive security reviews to ensure that your infrastructure remains secure and compliant with best practices.

Lessons Learned from the Fortinet Breach

When a hacker group leaks data of 15000 Fortinet firewalls , many organizations tend to not be prepared to handle the threat. To avoid similar incidents, businesses should prioritize:

• Regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities
• Security audits to verify system configurations and access controls
• Incident response planning to minimize the impact of breaches
• Choosing the right IT partner who values security and transparency

By implementing these strategies, organizations can reduce their risk exposure and protect sensitive data from cybercriminals.

The Broader Impact of the Breach

These effects extend beyond those directly impacted. When sensitive information is exposed, attackers can use it to target related systems, launch phishing campaigns, or sell access on the dark web. This incident serves as a stark reminder that cybersecurity is an ongoing effort, not a one-time task.

Taking Action to Secure Your Business

If your organization uses Fortinet devices or any other internet-facing infrastructure, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Start by reviewing your patch management process, assessing device configurations, and working with a trusted IT provider like Zevonix to strengthen your defenses.

Conclusion

In regard to the hacker group leaks data of 15,000 Fortinet firewalls, this breach doesn’t have to spell disaster for your business. With proactive measures and the right IT partner, you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. At Zevonix, we prioritize your security through transparency, expertise, and continuous support. Contact us today to learn how we can safeguard your organization.