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Showing posts with label Sensitive Information. Show all posts
Sensitive Information
Customer Data Cyber Attacks Data Leak Data protection data security Data Theft Employee Data Identity Theft Prevention Radio Station Sensitive Information

iHeartMedia Cyberattack Exposes Sensitive Data Across Multiple Radio Stations

 

iHeartMedia, the largest audio media company in the United States, has confirmed a significant data breach following a cyberattack on several of its local radio stations. In official breach notifications sent to affected individuals and state attorney general offices in Maine, Massachusetts, and California, the company disclosed that cybercriminals accessed sensitive customer information between December 24 and December 27, 2024. Although iHeartMedia did not specify how many individuals were affected, the breach appears to have involved data stored on systems at a “small number” of stations. 

The exact number of compromised stations remains undisclosed. With a network of 870 radio stations and a reported monthly audience of 250 million listeners, the potential scope of this breach is concerning. According to the breach notification letters, the attackers “viewed and obtained” various types of personal information. The compromised data includes full names, passport numbers, other government-issued identification numbers, dates of birth, financial account information, payment card data, and even health and health insurance records. 

Such a comprehensive data set makes the victims vulnerable to a wide array of cybercrimes, from identity theft to financial fraud. The combination of personal identifiers and health or insurance details increases the likelihood of victims being targeted by tailored phishing campaigns. With access to passport numbers and financial records, cybercriminals can attempt identity theft or engage in unauthorized transactions and wire fraud. As of now, the stolen data has not surfaced on dark web marketplaces, but the risk remains high. 

No cybercrime group has claimed responsibility for the breach as of yet. However, the level of detail and sensitivity in the data accessed suggests the attackers had a specific objective and targeted the breach with precision. 

In response, iHeartMedia is offering one year of complimentary identity theft protection services to impacted individuals. The company has also established a dedicated hotline for those seeking assistance or more information. While these actions are intended to mitigate potential fallout, they may offer limited relief given the nature of the exposed information. 

This incident underscores the increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks on media organizations and the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols. For iHeartMedia, transparency and timely support for affected customers will be key in managing the aftermath of this breach. 

As investigations continue, more details may emerge regarding the extent of the compromise and the identity of those behind the attack.
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US
Cyber Attacks endue software Healthcare Illinois MedEx Sensitive Information US

Cyberattacks Hit U.S. Healthcare Firms, Exposing Data of Over 236,000 People

 


Two separate data breaches in the U.S. have exposed sensitive information of more than 236,000 people. These incidents involve two organizations: Endue Software in New York and Medical Express Ambulance (MedEx) in Illinois.

Endue Software creates software used by infusion centers, which help treat patients with medication delivered directly into their bloodstream. In February this year, the company found that hackers had broken into its system. This breach led to the exposure of personal details of around 118,000 individuals. The leaked information included full names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and unique medical record identifiers. While there is currently no proof that the stolen data has been used illegally, the company isn’t taking any chances. It has added more safety tools and measures to its systems. It is also offering one year of free credit monitoring and identity protection to help affected people stay safe from fraud.

In a different case, MedEx, a private ambulance service provider based in Illinois, reported that it was also hit by a cyberattack. This breach happened last year, but the details have recently come to light. Information belonging to more than 118,000 people was accessed by attackers. The data included health records, insurance information, and even passport numbers in some cases.

These events are part of a larger pattern of cyberattacks targeting the healthcare industry in the U.S. In recent months, major organizations like UnitedHealth Group and Ascension Health have also suffered large-scale data breaches. Cybercriminals often go after hospitals and medical companies because the data they store is very valuable and can be used for scams or identity theft.

Both Endue and MedEx are working with cybersecurity experts to investigate the breaches and improve their systems. People affected by these incidents are being advised to be extra cautious. They should use the free protection services, monitor their bank and credit accounts, and immediately report anything unusual.



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Sensitive Information
Data Breach Financial Data Landmark Sensitive Information

Landmark Admin Hack: Massive Data Leak Hits 1.6 Million Americans

 



Landmark Admin, a company based in Texas that works with insurance firms across the country, has shared new details about a cyberattack it suffered last year. According to the latest update, the number of people whose personal data may have been accessed has now reached more than 1.6 million.


How It Started

In May 2024, Landmark noticed something suspicious on its computer network. After looking into the issue, it found out that hackers had broken in and accessed files containing sensitive details of many individuals.

At first, the company believed the attack had affected around 806,000 people. However, in a recent filing with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, Landmark revealed that the total number of impacted people is now estimated at 1,613,773. They also said that this number might change again as the investigation continues.


What Information Was Stolen?

The hackers were able to get their hands on private data. This could include a person’s name, home address, Social Security number, or details from their passport or driver’s license. Some people’s financial information, health records, and insurance policy numbers may also have been exposed.

Not everyone had the same information stolen. The company has promised to send each affected person a letter that clearly mentions which of their details were accessed in the attack.


What Is Being Done to Help?

Landmark is still reviewing the situation with cybersecurity experts. They are in the process of informing everyone who may have been affected. People who get a notice from Landmark will also receive 12 months of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection to reduce the chances of further harm.

Those affected are encouraged to keep an eye on their credit activity. They may also consider placing a fraud alert or even freezing their credit to stay protected from possible misuse.

The full extent of the breach is still being investigated, which means the number of victims may grow. In the meantime, people are advised to stay alert, review their financial statements, and take steps to protect their identities.


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sensitive user information
Data Breach Data Safety User Data data security Extortion GitLab Sensitive Information sensitive user information

Europcar GitLab Breach Exposes Sensitive User Data and Configuration Files

 

A cybersecurity breach allegedly targeting Europcar has brought attention to vulnerabilities in corporate development platforms. A threat actor operating under the alias “Europcar” recently claimed on an underground forum that they had gained unauthorized access to the car rental giant’s GitLab repository, leading to the extraction of thousands of sensitive files. The attacker reportedly obtained over 9,000 SQL files and at least 269 .ENV files, which are commonly used to store application configuration settings, API keys, and other sensitive operational data. 

The scale of the breach raised concerns about the potential exposure of customer and internal company information. Europcar later confirmed the breach to BleepingComputer, clarifying that only a limited portion of its GitLab repository was compromised, and not the entire system as initially claimed. The company stated it is currently assessing the scope of the intrusion and is in the process of notifying affected users. Initial findings suggest that customer names and email addresses from affiliated brands such as Goldcar and Ubeeqo, generated between 2017 and 2020, may have been exposed. Importantly, payment data was not compromised in this incident. 

The Europcar data breach is believed to have been part of an extortion attempt, although it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid. The method used to access Europcar’s GitLab remains under investigation, but cybersecurity experts suspect phishing or infostealer malware as the most likely attack vectors. Credential theft through malware or social engineering continues to be a leading cause of repository leaks across industries.  

GitLab, a widely used platform for code collaboration and storage, is frequently targeted by cybercriminals. Attackers often exploit its popularity by spoofing repositories or distributing malicious packages. Developers are advised to exercise caution by verifying repository sources, reading user feedback, and implementing multi-layered security protocols. The GitLab repository leak highlights the broader issue of digital supply chain vulnerabilities. 

When attackers gain access to development environments, the consequences can include compromised applications, internal data leaks, and reputational damage. This incident reinforces the importance of robust cybersecurity hygiene, particularly for companies managing user-sensitive platforms. As Europcar continues to investigate the breach and tighten security protocols, the incident serves as another reminder of the growing sophistication of cyberattacks and the urgent need for proactive security measures.
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Sensitive Information
Data Breach Data Leak data security DDoS Hackers Personal Data Police Sensitive Information

Hackers Leak 8,500 Files from Lexipol, Exposing U.S. Police Training Manuals

 

An anonymous hacker group called the “puppygirl hacker polycule” recently made headlines by leaking over 8,500 files from Lexipol, a private company that provides training materials and policy manuals for police departments across the United States. 

As first reported by The Daily Dot, the data breach exposed internal documents, including thousands of police policies, emails, phone numbers, addresses, and other sensitive information about Lexipol employees. The hackers published the stolen data on Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoS), a nonprofit platform for leaked information. In a statement, the group said they targeted Lexipol because, in their view, there aren’t “enough hacks against the police,” so they took action themselves.  

Founded in 2003, Texas-based Lexipol LLC, also known for its online training platform PoliceOne, has become a significant force in police privatization. The company supplies policy manuals and training content to more than 20% of U.S. police departments, according to a 2022 Indiana Law Journal analysis. This widespread adoption has effectively shaped public policy, despite Lexipol being a private company. 

Critics have long raised concerns about Lexipol’s focus on minimizing legal liability for police departments rather than addressing issues like excessive force or racial profiling. The Intercept reported in 2020 that Lexipol’s training materials, used by the NYPD after the George Floyd protests, prioritized protecting departments from lawsuits rather than promoting accountability or reform. 

Additionally, Lexipol has actively opposed proposed changes to police use-of-force standards, favoring a more lenient “objectively reasonable” standard. The leaked documents revealed striking similarities in policy language across different police departments, with matching sections on use-of-force protocols and even identical “Code of Ethics” pages — some ending with a religious oath dedicating officers to their profession before God. 

Despite Lexipol’s intent to reduce legal risks for its clients, some police departments using its policies have faced legal consequences. In 2017, Culver City, CA, adopted a Lexipol manual that suggested detaining suspected undocumented immigrants based on “lack of English proficiency,” contradicting the city’s sanctuary status. Similarly, Spokane, WA, paid a $49,000 settlement in 2018 after police violated local immigration laws using Lexipol’s guidance. 

Although the puppygirl hacker polycule isn’t linked to previous major breaches, their tactics echo those of SiegedSec, a group known for hacking government sites and playfully demanding research into “IRL catgirls.” As political tensions rise, the hackers predict more “hacktivist” attacks, aiming to expose injustices and empower public awareness. The Lexipol breach serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in privatized law enforcement systems and the growing influence of cyberactivism.
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Uttarakhand
Cyber Attacks Policy Sensitive Information Uttarakhand

Cyberattacks Expose Critical Vulnerabilities in Government Systems

 



Cyberattacks are becoming as consequential a threat as physical insurgencies, targeting government systems and vital businesses with growing frequency. A ransomware attack on the Uttarakhand government on October 2, 2024, brought over 90 key state-run websites to a grinding halt, including important platforms such as the CM Helpline, Chardham registration portal, and land registry systems. This breach brought the state's entire IT infrastructure to a standstill, where attackers gained control of sensitive information and demanded ransom, thereby paralyzing all state operations. 


Extent of the Attack 

This attack compromised the central data center of the Uttarakhand government and compromised not only sensitive information regarding citizens and other important departments but also compromised the Chief Minister's office.

Though the government said on October 10 that no data had been lost, the incident highlighted glaringly the lack of preparedness in mitigating such threats. This incident also represents a trend, as India suffered 388 data breaches, 107 data leaks, and close to 5 billion cyberattacks in 2023. Such attack gravity was previously witnessed in 2022, when AIIMS Delhi remained closed for two weeks following a ransomware attack that crippled healthcare services. 


Scrutiny over Preparedness and Accountability

The question on the preparedness and accountability of Uttarakhand government in terms of cybersecurity has now been raised.

An initiative two years ago even assigned ITI Limited in Bengaluru to design a disaster recovery plan, which still did not come into existence.

Experts are now wondering why this state did not have the basic cybersecurity protocols in place such as data backup systems and security audits that would have minimized damage, and that there is still no dedicated cybersecurity task force or enough technical experts within the Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA). 


Urgency for Policy Overhauls


The attack puts a primer on the need for overhaul in Uttarakhand and, by extension, other states across the nation. It calls for hiring subject matter experts, carrying regular audits, and placing cybersecurity nodal officers in each department. A comprehensive program to train officials along with collabingotals with cybersecurity professionals is the need of the hour to structure an effective system for future assault. 


Learning from the Crisis  

What has been called Uttarakhand's "Cyber Security Cloud Burst," this is a wake-up call. Rather than waiting for the restoration of the state's infrastructure, by putting in place stringent protocols and opening channels for frank dialogues with cybersecurity experts, steps can be taken to create precedence for other states as well. Cybersecurity cannot and should not be considered something to be done on the back burner but something integral to governance.



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Technology
Atlas Biomed customer complaints Cyber Security data security disappearing reports DNA testing GDPR protection Genetic Data Russia links Sensitive Information Technology

DNA Testing Firm Atlas Biomed Vanishes, Leaving Customers in the Dark About Sensitive Data

A prominent DNA-testing company, Atlas Biomed, appears to have ceased operations without informing customers about the fate of their sensitive genetic data. The London-based firm previously offered insights into genetic profiles and predispositions to illnesses, but users can no longer access their online reports. Efforts by the BBC to contact the company have gone unanswered.

Customers describe the situation as "very alarming," with one stating they are worried about the handling of their "most personal information." The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) confirmed it is investigating a complaint about the company. “People have the right to expect that organisations will handle their personal information securely and responsibly,” the ICO said.

Several customers shared troubling experiences. Lisa Topping, from Essex, paid £100 for her genetic report, which she accessed periodically online—until the site vanished. “I don’t know how comfortable I feel that they have just disappeared,” she said.

Another customer, Kate Lake from Kent, paid £139 in 2023 for a report that was never delivered. Despite being promised a refund, the company went silent. “What happens now to that information they have got? I would like to hear some answers,” she said.

Attempts to reach Atlas Biomed have been fruitless. Phone lines are inactive, its London office is vacant, and social media accounts have been dormant since mid-2023.

The firm is still registered as active with Companies House but has not filed accounts since December 2022. Four officers have resigned, and two current officers share a Moscow address with a Russian billionaire who is a former director. Cybersecurity expert Prof. Alan Woodward called the Russian links “odd,” stating, “If people knew the provenance of this company and how it operates, they might not trust them with their DNA.”

Experts highlight the risks associated with DNA testing. Prof. Carissa Veliz, author of Privacy is Power, warned, “DNA is uniquely yours; you can’t change it. When you give your data to a company, you are completely at their mercy.”

Although no evidence of misuse has been found, concerns remain over what has become of the company’s DNA database. Prof. Veliz emphasized, “We shouldn’t have to wait until something happens.”
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vigilance
Cyber Fraud Cyber Threats Cybersecurity Data Theft phishing Scams Sensitive Information Spear Phishing Spoofing vigilance

The Evolution of Phishing Emails: From Simple Scams to Sophisticated Cyber Threats

 

Phishing emails have undergone significant changes over the past few decades. Once simple and easy to detect, these scams have now evolved into a sophisticated cyber threat, targeting even the most tech-savvy individuals and organizations. Understanding the development of phishing attacks is key to protecting yourself from these ever-evolving cyber dangers.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, phishing emails were quite basic and easily identifiable. One of the most well-known scams was the "Nigerian Prince" email. These messages claimed to be from foreign royalty or officials, offering large sums of money in return for a small processing fee. The common signs included poor language, unrealistic promises, and large financial rewards—elements that eventually made these scams easy for users to recognize and dismiss.

As people became aware of these early scams, phishing attacks shifted focus, aiming to steal sensitive financial information. By the mid-2000s, attackers began impersonating banks and financial institutions in their emails. These messages often used fear-inducing language, such as warnings of account breaches, to pressure recipients into handing over personal details like login credentials and credit card information. During this time, phishing attempts were still marked by clear warning signs: poorly written emails, generic greetings, and inaccurate logos. However, as technology advanced, so did the attackers' ability to produce more convincing content.

The evolution of phishing took a major step forward with the introduction of spear phishing. Unlike traditional phishing, which targets a broad audience, spear phishing focuses on specific individuals or companies. Attackers gather personal information through social media and public records to craft emails that appear highly legitimate, often addressing the victim by name and referencing workplace details. This tailored approach makes the scam more believable and increases the chances of success.

Phishing emails today have become highly sophisticated, utilizing advanced techniques such as email spoofing to mimic trusted sources. Attackers frequently impersonate colleagues, supervisors, or official entities, making it difficult for users to tell the difference between genuine and malicious messages. Modern phishing schemes often rely on psychological tactics, using fear or urgency to pressure recipients into clicking harmful links or downloading malware. This evolution reflects the growing complexity of cybercriminal activities, demanding greater awareness and stronger cybersecurity defenses.

In summary, phishing emails have evolved from basic scams to intricate, personalized attacks that are harder to detect. Being informed about these tactics and staying vigilant is critical in the digital age. If you're ever in doubt about an email’s legitimacy, contact your Information Security Team for verification.
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