Organizations today are grappling with an unexpected challenge: complying with laws requiring the collection and storage of massive amounts of sensitive data, including government-issued identification documents. The recent data breach involving Discord serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved.
The Rising Tide of ID Data Collection
As age verification laws proliferate worldwide, organizations find themselves in a bind. They are mandated to collect and store sensitive data they may not have the infrastructure or desire to safeguard.
Global Age Verification Laws
These laws typically mandate age verification through government-issued documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, or national ID cards. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines.
The Discord Breach: A Close Look
In early October 2025, cyber attackers compromised a third-party customer service provider of Discord, gaining access to personal information from users who had contacted the platform’s Customer Support or Trust and Safety teams. Among the stolen data was government-issued identification documents of users who used Discord’s partner for appealing expulsions for being under-aged.
The Impact of Stolen Government ID Data
This breach highlights the challenge organizations face when dealing with sensitive information they don’t necessarily want but have to protect. The potential consequences are severe, including regulatory penalties, litigation, reputation damage, and loss of customer trust.
The Role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
MSPs, who handle sensitive data for multiple clients across various industries, are particularly vulnerable to breaches. A single significant breach involving personally identifiable information (PII) can be devastating for small and medium-sized businesses.
The Traditional MSP Technology Stack: A Vulnerability
Many MSPs use a patchwork of multiple point solutions, each representing another potential attack vector and integration to secure. This approach compounds the vulnerability of MSPs in the face of mandatory ID data collection.
Navigating the Security Nightmare
To mitigate these risks, organizations must invest in robust cybersecurity solutions that can protect their growing stores of sensitive data effectively. Solutions like Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud integrate data protection, cybersecurity, and endpoint management, making it easier for MSPs to scale their services while protecting client data.
As the landscape of data collection evolves, organizations must adapt to ensure they can protect the sensitive information they are required to collect.
By investing in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, businesses can not only safeguard their own data but also build trust with their customers and partners.
