Pentagon data breach exposes Social Security numbers, personal info of 2.76M US military, civilian personnel

By Brittany Miller, Liz Friden

Published September 30, 2026

Fox News Flash top headlines for September 30

A Pentagon personnel database breach exposed sensitive personal information belonging to 2.76 million living U.S. military and civilian personnel and 294,000 deceased individuals, a Pentagon official confirmed to Fox News.

Unauthorized users accessed unencrypted files containing Social Security numbers and military or civilian employment information between October 2025 and July 2026.

An aerial view of the Pentagon building in Washington.

The Pentagon’s personnel database was breached. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo, File)

The Defense Manpower Data Center discovered the vulnerability in a file-sharing system on July 16, and notified affected individuals Sept. 18.

The Pentagon said it has no indication the information was misused.

This is a developing story; check back later for updates.

Brittany Miller is a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and former Independent reporter who graduated from Syracuse University in 2023.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-data-breach-exposes-social-security-numbers-personal-info-military-civilian-personnel