Technically, a .tar.gz file (or "tarball") is a compressed archive commonly used in Linux and Unix-based systems to bundle multiple files into a single, smaller package. However, in the context of "mernis.tar.gz," it represents a massive cache of sensitive data—including full names, Turkish ID numbers (TC Kimlik No), dates of birth, and home addresses—that has circulated online since at least 2016. The History of the MERNİS Leak
file mernis.tar.gz
(e.g., trojans) designed to compromise the computers of those trying to download the "leaked" data. Identity Theft: mernis.tar.gz
Important notes if you obtained this file: Technically, a
If it returns gzip compressed data, it’s legitimate. If it returns ELF 64-bit executable or PE32 executable, it is malware masquerading as an archive. smaller package. However
Verification: The Associated Press partially verified the data by matching 8 out of 10 non-public ID numbers against names in the database.
The data contained in the leak was remarkably detailed, including: