What we know so far: A Ticketmaster AWS instance was penetrated by unknown perpetrators; “ShinyHunters” is selling stolen data on their behalf. Don’t forget to add the hidden 5% fee to the ransom.

The post Ticketmaster Hack Ticks Off 560M Customers in 1.3TB Breach appeared first on Security Boulevard.

Ticket to Hide: A threat group hacked 1.3 terabytes of Ticketmaster customer data, including payment information. It’s threatening to release the personal data unless a ransom is paid.

The post Ticketmaster Hacked, Personal Data of 560 Million Customers Leaked, ShinyHunters Claim appeared first on Security Boulevard.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a prominent Indian telecommunications company, has once again found itself at the center of a massive data security breach. The BSNL data breach, orchestrated by a threat actor known as kiberphant0m, shares sensitive data about the organization, highlighting the vulnerability of sensitive information. The claim for the BSNL data leak emerged on May 27, 2024, revealing that kiberphant0m was offering unauthorized access to databases stolen from BSNL, along with data from undisclosed Asian telecom organizations. Among the compromised data are IMSI records, SIM details, home location register (HLR) data, DP security key data, and a snapshot of the Oracle Solaris server.  Additionally, the threat actor claimed to possess login credentials for various digital infrastructures and applications of BSNL.

A Massive BSNL Data Breach Surfaces on Dark Web

The BSNL data leak poses a severe threat to the privacy and security of BSNL customers and highlights the potential risks associated with cyberattacks on telecom infrastructure. The stolen data, advertised for sale on underground forums like XSS and Telegram, could fetch significant sums on the black market, highlighting the lucrative nature of cybercrime. [caption id="attachment_72569" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] The major concern for this BSNL data leak is the inclusion of sensitive customer information, which, if exploited, could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities. The urgency of the situation is further emphasized by kiberphant0m's warning to potential buyers and Indian authorities, suggesting that the data could be sold to other parties if not addressed promptly. “India if you want to secure your data and do not want it to be sold you must buy it first, contact me BEFORE someone purchases this data. It could be 3 hours to 24 hours, who knows”, says the hacker. 

Big Threats, Yet No Response 

Despite the gravity of the situation, BSNL has yet to issue an official statement or response regarding the breach, leaving the claims unverified. This lack of transparency further compounds the uncertainty surrounding the extent of the breach and the measures being taken to mitigate its impact. Talking about the BSNL data breach, the threat actor says, “This is not the same data as the previous telecom post! we have breached over 15 Asian telecoms! Information is worth several million dollars but I'm selling for pretty cheap. Negotiate a deal on telegram. State Threat Actors are also welcome to buy this data, I will sell to anyone who wants it.” Moreover, this incident is not the first time BSNL has faced cybersecurity challenges. In 2023, the company experienced a massive data breach affecting over 2.9 million lines, with leaked data of landline users being sold on the dark web by a hacker known as 'Perell.' The recurrence of such breaches highlights the rise of cyberattacks on telecom companies, especially those located in Asia.  Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The notorious hacker group 888 has claimed responsibility for a Shell data breach targeting the British multinational oil and gas company. According to their claims, approximately 80,000 individuals could be affected by this breach across several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, India, Singapore, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Canada. The compromised data, shared by the threat actor on a hacking forum, includes a range of sensitive information related to Australian users. The sample data contained information about shopper codes, first and last names, email addresses, contact mobile numbers, postcodes, Nectar information, site addresses, and transaction details. Notably, these transactions appear to be associated with Reddy Express (Formerly Coles Express) locations in Australia.

An Alleged Claim of Shell Data Breach Surfaces

[caption id="attachment_72512" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] The claims of this Shell data leak were shared on a popular hacking forum by the user Kingpin and shared glimpses into sample data allegedly related to the organization. The Cyber Express has reached out to the oil and gas company to learn more about this Shell data breach and the authenticity of the hackers over the claimed data.  However, at the time of writing this, no official statement or response has been received. This lack of confirmation leaves the claims regarding the Shell data breach unverified, although the potential implications are threatening for the customers and stakeholders associated with the organization.  Talking about the cyberattack on Shell, the hacker Kingpin states that the organization suffered a data breach in May 2024 and this data breach allegedly contained "Shopper Code, First Name, Last Name, Status, Shopper Email, Contact Mobile, Postcode, Nectar, Suburb, State, Site Address, Suburb 1, Country, Site Name, Last Login, Pay and Association Number".

A Similar Incident from the Past

This purported breach is not the first time Shell has been targeted by cyberattacks. In the past, the company has faced similar security incidents, including a ransomware attack and a data security incident involving Accellion’s File Transfer Appliance. These incidents highlight the persistent threat posed by cybercriminals to organizations, particularly those in the energy sector. In response to previous incidents, Shell had emphasized its commitment to cybersecurity and data privacy. The company has initiated investigations into the recent breaches and is working to address any potential risks to affected individuals and stakeholders. Additionally, Shell had previously contacted relevant regulators and authorities to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and to mitigate the impact of the previous breach. The current Shell data leak is an ongoing story and The Cyber Express will be closely monitoring the situation. We’ll update this post once we have more information on this alleged Shell data breach or any official confirmation from the organization. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

As threats increase in sophistication—in many cases powered by GenAI itself—GenAI will play a growing role in combatting them.

The post The Rise of Generative AI is Transforming Threat Intelligence – Five Trends to Watch appeared first on Security Boulevard.

A cybercriminal going by the alias "SpidermanData" has claimed to breach and advertise a massive database purportedly linked to Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC. The claim of the Ticketmaster data breach, dated May 27, 2024, was posted on the cybercrime forum Exploit and shares threatening information about the organization, including database of “560M Users + Card Details”. The threat actor has also claimed to have access to 1.3TB of stolen data and is currently selling it for $500k. The post, accompanied by sample data, suggests that the data indeed belongs to Ticketmaster Entertainment. However, the American ticket sales and distribution company has yet to share any information about this alleged Ticketmaster data breach.  Additionally, apart from the Ticketmaster data breach, the company is also facing a lawsuit from The Justice Department for anti-competitive practices, limiting venue options, and threatening financial consequences. The lawsuit follows public outcry, including ticketing issues during Taylor Swift's tour. High prices, fueled by post-pandemic demand, have intensified scrutiny. Live Nation denies monopolistic behavior, but the lawsuit contends their dominance drives up prices. The Ticketmaster data breach poses another threat to the organization since databases of this caliber are usually the hot-selling items on the dark web. 

Ticketmaster Data Breach: The Worst Time to Have a Cybersecurity Incident

SpidermanData claims to have access to a staggering 560 million records brimming with personally identifiable information (PII) of customers, including sensitive payment card details. This breach couldn't have come at a worse time for Ticketmaster, coinciding with the onset of several major music festivals scheduled between May 2024 and January 2025.  Among these highly anticipated events is the FOREIGNER concert, featuring legendary rock acts led by Mick Jones and Kelly Hansen. The musical act will begin on June 11, 2024, in the United States and will conclude on November 9, 2024. Following suit is the iconic band HEART, set to perform across the United States from July to November 2024, culminating in an international concert in Calgary, AB, Canada. Meanwhile, Allison Russell and Hozier are primed to perform from May to August 2024. Adding to this list of bands performing this year, artists like Ian Munsick, Prateek Kuhad, and Kathleen Hanna will also go on tours across North America between 2024 and 2025. However, the jubilant atmosphere surrounding these events is now overshadowed by the threat of, one of the biggest data breaches, threatening millions of users globally.  The purportedly compromised data, amounting to a staggering 1.3 terabytes, has been divided into 15 parts, with the hacker offering samples from two segments. One dataset, extracted from a 'PATRON' database, contains a plethora of personal information, including names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers. Meanwhile, the other dataset includes information about customer sales, encompassing crucial details like event IDs and payment methods.

The Aftermath and Industry Implications

SpidermanData has listed the entire dataset for sale, quoting a hefty price tag of USD 500,000, and restricting the sale to a single buyer. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated, with the compromised data posing significant risks of identity theft, financial fraud, and other criminal activities - something we've already seen in previous data breaches like the MOVEit File Transfer incident.  Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, stands as a global juggernaut in the live entertainment domain, organizing and promoting thousands of shows annually across more than 40 countries. Meanwhile, Ticketmaster's pivotal role in facilitating ticket sales for musical and non-musical events highlights its significance within the industry, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain. The current Ticketmaster data breach is not the first time that the organization has faced a cyberattack. In November 2020, the company faced a hefty £1.25 million fine from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) following a payment data breach in 2018. The breach, stemming from a vulnerability in a third-party chatbot, compromised the personal and payment details of over nine million customers in Europe, triggering widespread fraud and financial losses. Whether the current data breach represents a resurgence of previously compromised data or the acquisition of freshly stolen data, the premise origin of the information about the databases remains unclear. Nevertheless, The Cyber Express will be closely monitoring the situation and we’ll update this post once we have more information on the Ticketmaster data leak or any official confirmation from the organization.  Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

A recent data breach has reportedly compromised the personal information of Decathlon employees in Spain. The threat actor known as 888 has taken responsibility for the Decathlon data leak, which allegedly involves a database containing sensitive details of 6,644 employees of the popular sporting goods retailer.   This database reportedly includes employees' email addresses, headquarters information, and transportation activities. The claim was disseminated through multiple posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that not only employee information but also potentially sensitive customer data may have been exposed. Moreover, the threat actor also provided a sample of the Decathlon leaked database.  Earlier this month, a significant data breach involving the retailer Decathlon in Spain was made public. The compromised data was subsequently published on a popular hacking forum, raising concerns about the security of employee information.  [caption id="attachment_71535" align="aligncenter" width="1117"] Source: X[/caption] [caption id="attachment_71537" align="aligncenter" width="1169"] Source: X[/caption] As of the time of this writing, Decathlon has not issued an official statement regarding the alleged data breach. The Cyber Express has contacted the retailer for verification of the breach and will provide updates as soon as a response is received. 

Decathlon Could Face Repercussions if Breach is Confirmed 

There is a critical need for large retailers to implement strong security measures. Data protection regulations, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, enforce strict penalties on companies that fail to protect customer data.  A confirmed data breach could erode customer trust in Decathlon, potentially impacting its sales and overall market position. If the data breach is confirmed, Decathlon could also be hit with significant legal and financial penalties. 

Stakeholders to Take Precautions 

Following the allegations of Decathlon Data Leak, the company’s stakeholders including customers should take immediate steps to safeguard their personal information. This includes changing passwords for both Decathlon accounts and any other accounts that use the same password. Additionally, customers should monitor bank and credit card statements closely for any suspicious transactions.  They should be cautious of emails or messages that appear to be from Decathlon but might be phishing attempts trying to capitalize on this situation.  As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Decathlon will address these serious allegations. The company needs to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the scope of the breach and implement stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.  In the meantime, customers and stakeholders will be looking for updates and reassurances from Decathlon regarding these developments. 

Second Major Decathlon Data Leak After 2021 

This is not the first time that Decathlon is in the firing line for data breach. A data leak of around 8,000 Decathlon global employees was previously discovered and reported in 2021. The personal information of these employees was then shared on the dark web and was reported in October 2023. This revelation was discovered by the firm’s research team in an online forum post that surfaced on September 7, 2023.  The forum user uploaded a 61-MB database purportedly linked to Decathlon. As per the post, this database is said to include personally identifiable information (PII) of approximately 8,000 Decathlon employees.  The data that was exposed in the Decathlon data breach also reportedly contained a range of sensitive information, such as full names, usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, details of countries and cities of residence, authentication tokens, and even photographs. The data leak also featured information from Bluenove, a technology and consulting firm as well.  Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information. 

Soon after an independent researcher exposed a vulnerability in the commercial-grade pcTattletale spyware tool that could compromise recordings, the tool’s website was hacked and defaced. The hacker claimed to have accessed at least 17TB of victim screenshots and other sensitive data, viewing the site's hacking as a personal challenge after a researcher's limited disclosure to prevent exploitation of the flaw by bad actors. Amazon promptly placed an official lock on the site's AWS infrastructure following the hacking incident. The pcTattletale spyware's flawed architecture and its discovery demonstrate the inherent vulnerabilities present in common spyware applications, potentially impacting not just individuals but entire organizations and families.

pcTattletale Spyware Vulnerabilities and Poor-Data Handling Practices

The pcTattletale spyware tool offered a live feed of screenshots from the victim's device as its primary feature, alongside typical spyware functionalities like location tracking. However, this extensive monitoring feature backed on poor infrastructure and data-handling practices has also been its downfall, with data breaches exposing private data of targets. First, a 2021 data breach incident demonstrated Individual Directory Override (IDOR) vulnerabilities in the spyware tool's domain infrastructure, potentially allowing access to sensitive data through guessable Amazon S3 URLs. Last week, researcher Eric Daigle uncovered an API bug that also potentially allowed access to sensitive data across registered devices. This vulnerability allowed unauthorized users to access private information in the form of comprehensive screen recordings. A subsequent hack then exposed pcTattletale's backend to the public, revealing an astonishing disregard for secure practices. The hacker discovered that the spyware shipped with hardcoded AWS credentials, accessible via a hidden webshell, potentially enabling years of undetected data exfiltration. This oversight, remarkable for its simplicity and duration, underscores a major failure in the handling of user data.

pcTattletale Spyware Latest Hack

The hacker defaced pcTattletale's official site, replacing it with a writeup of the operation and links to compromised data obtained from the site's AWS infrastructure. The vastness of the data stored by pcTattletale was found to be overwhelming, with the hacker reporting their discovery of over 17 terabytes of victim device screenshots from more than 10,000 devices, some dating back to 2018. Although the released data dump did not include these screenshots, it reportedly contained database dumps, full webroot files for the stalkerware service, and other S3 bucket contents, exposing years of sensitive information.   [caption id="attachment_70264" align="alignnone" width="2230"] Source: archive.org[/caption] The breach also uncovered a simple webshell hidden since at least December 2011 in the spyware's backend code. This backdoor allowed for arbitrary PHP code execution through the use of cookies, raising questions about its origin—whether it was placed by pcTattletale itself as a backdoor or a threat actor. The hacker later updated the defaced site to share a video, claiming it as footage of the pcTattletale's founder attempts to restore the site. It took over 20 hours for the defaced website to be taken down, with the pcTattletale’s service continuing to send screenshots to the S3 bucket until Amazon officially locked down the spyware service's AWS account. [caption id="attachment_70324" align="alignnone" width="1206"] Source: ericdaigle.ca[/caption] Following the official lockdown of the site's AWS infrastucture, security researcher Eric Daigle, expanded his earlier limited disclosure with step-by-step exploit of the stated flaw. He noted that while the site's attacker exploited an unrelated flaw, it was about as equally trivial in it's complexity.

Victims Affected by pcTattletale Spyware Data Leak

The pcTattletale data leak is particularly alarming as several organizations employed the tool to monitor employees and clients, exposing confidential information across various sectors, such as banks, law firms, educational institutes, healthcare providers, and even government agencies. Notable instances of victims affected by the data breach as stated by security researcher maia crimew who explored the incident and shared data in a blog article, include:

• Hotels leaking guest information such as personal data and credit card details.
• Law firms exposing lawyer-client communications and client bank-routing information
• A bank revealing confidential client data
• Educational institutes such as schools and childcare centers monitoring employees or students, revealing personal data.
• Healthcare providers exposing patient information.
• Palestinian government agency employee monitored.
• The HR department of a Boeing supplier revealing personal information of employees .
• Tech companies secretly installing pcTattletale on employee devices suspected of wrongdoing, exposing internal systems and source code.
• A bug bounty hunter who installed the software for pentesting, then immediately tried to uninstall it.

Concerningly, the spyware was also offered as a way for parents and spouses to maintain tabs over their children and partners respectively, potentially exposing this information in the resulting breach. [caption id="attachment_70278" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Source: maia.crimew.gay[/caption] Given the wide range of affected companies and the significant security lapses, security researcher maia crimew noted that pcTattletale could face severe repercussions, possibly leading to a cessation of its operations as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had previously ordered other US stalkerware developers to cease operations following breaches, with pcTattletale’s case poised for similar consequences. The widespread misuse and systemic security failures of pcTattletale highlight the dangers inherent in stalkerware software and services, as well as the urgent need for stringent regulatory oversight and robust security measures over these tools to protect the data and privacy of individuals and organizations. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is bracing for a hefty £750,000 fine following last year’s data breach. The PSNI data breach saw the exposure of approximately 10,000 officers and staff who had their personal information inadvertently exposed online.  The PSNI data breach occurred last August when details, including surnames, initials, ranks, and roles of all serving police personnel, were mistakenly published in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

PSNI Data Breach and £750,000 Fine

The gravity of the situation became apparent when it was revealed that this sensitive information remained accessible online for two-and-a-half hours before being removed. Worse, it was confirmed that the data had fallen into the hands of dissident republicans, posing what the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) described as a "tangible threat to life. In response to this PSNI data leak, the ICO has announced its intention to levy a £750,000 fine on the PSNI, citing inadequate internal procedures and sign-off protocols for the safe disclosure of information. However, it's worth noting that this fine has been mitigated by the organization's public sector approach, which aims to avoid undue impact on public services. Had this approach not been applied, the PSNI could have been facing a staggering fine of £5.6 million. John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, emphasized the severity of the breach, highlighting the "perfect storm of risk and harm" it created, particularly given the sensitivities in Northern Ireland. Edwards noted that during the investigation, numerous accounts emerged of the distressing consequences faced by those affected, including having to relocate, sever ties with family members, and drastically alter their daily routines due to genuine fears for their safety.

Understanding the Depth of the PSNI Data Leak

The proposed fine remains provisional, allowing the PSNI to make representations before a final decision is made. Edwards stressed that while the potential fine could have been significantly higher, discretion was exercised to ensure that public funds were not diverted from essential services. In addition to the fine, the PSNI has been issued a preliminary enforcement notice mandating improvements in personal information security protocols when responding to FOI requests. Edwards pointed out that simple and practical policies could have prevented this incident and urged all organizations to review and enhance their disclosure procedures to safeguard entrusted personal information. A previous independent review concluded that the breach was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of systemic shortcomings in data security measures within the PSNI. This underscores the need for proactive measures to better secure and protect sensitive data. Despite the financial implications, the PSNI remains committed to addressing the fallout from the breach. Deputy Chief Constable Chris Todd affirmed ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for the data loss, with several arrests already made in connection to the investigation. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

88% of participants in the Immersive “Prompt Injection Challenge” successfully tricked a GenAI bot into divulging sensitive information.

The post Prompt Injection Threats Highlight GenAI Risks appeared first on Security Boulevard.

A dark web actor named DuckyMummy claimed responsibility for an alleged data breach at Frotcom International, a prominent player in vehicle tracking and fleet management based in Carnaxide, Portugal.  The Frotcom data breach, disclosed on nuovo BreachForums, exposes a vulnerability in Frotcom's internal systems, potentially compromising sensitive information including GPS IMEI numbers, real-time vehicle tracking data, billing details, and customer account information.

Alleged Frotcom Data Breach Surfaces on Dark Web

DuckyMummy's post on the forum detailed the extent of the Frotcom data breach, indicating access to internal systems across more than 40 countries and over 5,000 companies. The compromised data encompassed a wealth of information crucial to Frotcom's operations, from GPS tracking data to customer billing information.  [caption id="attachment_68365" align="alignnone" width="1732"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] As proof of their claims, the threat actor shared sample records showcasing live GPS vehicle information sorted by country and offered the compromised database for sale at a staggering price of USD 5,000.

“These days I have breached the company security, and I have dumped all information and got access to all internal systems of the company, more than 40 countries, more than 5,000 COMPANIES !”, stated the hacker. 

The Cyber Express has reached out to Frotcom for official confirmation and further details regarding the breach. However, as of the time of writing, no official statement or response has been received, leaving the claims surrounding the Frotcom data leak unverified.

Cyberattacks on Freight Companies 

The Frotcom data leak is not an isolated event and is a reminder of the growing threats faced by the transportation sector in an increasingly digitized world. With transportation systems becoming more reliant on interconnected digital technologies, they have become lucrative targets for cyber threat actors seeking to disrupt operations, extort sensitive data, or inflict financial harm. The ramifications of cyberattacks on transportation infrastructure are profound, ranging from supply chain disruptions to the compromise of sensitive passenger data. Recent incidents such as the ransomware attack on Japan's Port of Nagoya, which halted operations for two days, highlight the real-world impact of such breaches on global trade and commerce. Moreover, the nature of cyber threats poses a significant challenge to the transportation sector. Attack vectors are becoming increasingly diversified, with intrusions often originating from third-party supply chain partners or software vendors. Additionally, the rise of politically motivated threat actors further complicates the domain, as evidenced by the DDoS attacks on US airports claimed by Russian-speaking hackers. Looking back at historical events, cyber incidents targeting transportation infrastructure have resulted in widespread disruption and societal harm. From DDoS attacks on Czech railways and airports to ransomware incidents affecting Italian State Railways, these incidents highlight the vulnerability of transportation systems to malicious cyber activity. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

A threat actor using the alias qpwomsx has claimed responsibility for an alleged data breach affecting the popular Indian online shopping platform, Meesho. However, the legitimacy of this Meesho data breach is under scrutiny, as the threat actor seems to have reposted data from 2020 and only joined the platform in May 2024, raising questions about their credibility. On Nuovo BreachForums, qpwomsx displayed what they claimed was a database from Meesho, presenting snippets of data as proof. These excerpts, which included names, email addresses, and phone numbers, initially raised concerns. However, upon closer examination, a twist emerged: the sample records provided were identical to those from the 2020 IndiaMART database leak, which affected about 38 million user records. This discovery casts significant doubt on the credibility of qpwomsx's claims about a Meesho data breach.

Unconfirmed Meesho Data Breach Surfaces on Dark Web

[caption id="attachment_68336" align="alignnone" width="1333"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] The discrepancies didn't end there. The Cyber Express further analyzed the claims and found inconsistencies within the data itself. Specifically, discrepancies between names and associated phone numbers raised red flags. Given qpwomsx's brief tenure on the platform and apparent credibility issues, discerning the authenticity of the Meesho data breach becomes a daunting task. However, examining the stolen data paints a perplexing situation as the majority of the email addresses are valid and deliverable. Along with the emails, the data appears to be a compilation of personal information belonging to individuals, predominantly based in India.  Alongside names, email addresses, and phone numbers, additional details such as location and workplace affiliations were also included. However, the presence of "null" values suggests potential gaps or inaccuracies within the dataset.

The IndiaMART Data Breach Link

The Cyber Express has reached out to the e-commerce giant to learn more about this alleged Meesho data leak. However, at the time of writing this, no official statement or response has been shared, leaving the claims for the data breach unverified.  Moreover, parallels emerge between the purported Meesho breach and the 2020 IndiaMART data leak, which exposed sensitive information from over 40,000 suppliers. IndiaMART, a prominent business-to-business e-commerce platform, was also targeted in a cyberattack in 2020. Despite assertions from the company that only basic contact information is publicly available, cybersecurity researchers found an extensive exposure of sensitive data. Interestingly, the stolen data from the IndiaMART data leak is similar to the current Meesho data breach, raising concerns about the authenticity of the leak and the motives behind it.  This is an ongoing story and The Cyber Express will be closely monitoring the situation. We’ll update this post once we have more information on the alleged Meesho data breach or any official confirmation from the Indian e-commerce giant. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Hackers exploited an unpatched remote access server vulnerability in the Helsinki education division data breach to scour through records of 80,000 students, their guardians, and all of administrative personnel. The City of Helsinki detected the data breach on April 30, promptly initiating an investigation that found the hacker had gained access to student and personnel usernames and email addresses. Hannu Heikkinen, the chief digital officer of the City of Helsinki, in a Monday press conference said, “Further investigation has shown that the perpetrator has gained access to the usernames and email addresses of all city personnel, as well as the personal IDs and addresses of students, guardians and personnel from the Education Division.”

“Additionally, the perpetrator has also gained access to content on network drives belonging to the Education Division,” Heikkinen said.

“This is a very serious data breach, with possible, unfortunate consequences for our customers and personnel,” said City Manager Jukka-Pekka Ujula. “We regret this situation deeply.”

Helsinki Education Division Data Breach Linked to Remote Access Bug

The preliminary investigation found out that the Helsinki Education Division data breach was possible due to a vulnerability in a remote access server.

“The server had a vulnerability which the culprit was able to exploit to connect to the Education Division network.”

The city authorities did not reveal the name of the remote access server but said a hotfix patch was available at the time of exploitation, but why it was not installed on the server is currently unknown.

“Our security update and device maintenance controls and procedures have been insufficient,” said Heikkinen.

The breach targeted an extensive group, with most of the network drive data – comprising of tens of millions of files - containing non-identifying information or ordinary personal data, minimizing potential abuse, according to the city authorities. However, some files include confidential or sensitive personal data such as fees for early childhood education customers, children's status information like information requests by student welfare or information about the need of special support and medical certificates regarding the suspension of studies for upper secondary students, and sick leave records of Education Division personnel. The data breach also includes historical customer and personnel data. Meaning, even if an individual is not currently a customer or a member of staff at the Education Division, the hacker may still have accessed their data.

“Considering the number of users in the city’s services now and in previous years, in the worst case, this data breach affects over 80,000 students and their guardians,” Ujula said.

Satu Järvenkallas, executive director of the Education Division, said the authorities are currently unable to provide an accurate assessment of what data the hacker may have accessed as “the volume of data under investigation is significant.”

VPN Gateways, Network Edge Devices Need ‘Special Attention’

The City officials immediately notified the Data Protection Ombudsman, the Finnish Police, and Traficom’s National Cyber Security Centre after the discovery of the data breach at the Helsinki’s Education Division. Traficom’s cybersecurity center acknowledged the notification and said it was supporting the City of Helsinki in investigating the case. “The data breach that targeted the City of Helsinki is exceptionally large for its size in the municipal sector. The case affects many Finns and causes great concern,” it said on platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Critical vulnerabilities in network edge devices like this pose a risk to organizations' cybersecurity, said Traficom’s NCSC. Exploiting the vulnerabilities of VPN products intended for establishing secure remote connections, it is also possible for parties outside the organization to gain access to the internal networks, “especially if other measures to limit the attack are not in use,” it added.

“Severe and easy-to-exploit vulnerabilities have been detected in the network edge devices of many major device manufacturers, such as VPN gateways, in the past six months,” said Samuli Bergström, the director of the cybersecurity center. “That is why it is important that special attention is paid to resources and expertise in organizations.”

A very recent example of one such VPN appliance abuse is the zero-day exploitation in Ivanti VPN products, Ivanti Connect Secure (formerly Pulse Secure) and Ivanti Policy Secure gateways. Chinese state-backed hackers used two zero-day vulnerabilities in these products: an authentication bypass (CVE-2023-46805) and a command injection (CVE-2024-21887) bug to compromise several organizations including MITRE. “Reaction to the data breach has been quick and all the necessary resources are being and will be used on protective measures. This is the highest priority for the city’s senior management,” Ujula said. “After the breach, we have taken measures to ensure that a similar breach is no longer possible,” Heikkinen added.

“We have not discovered evidence that the perpetrator would have accessed the networks or data of other divisions. However, we are monitoring all City of Helsinki networks closely.”

Information for affected individuals is available via the Traficom’s Cybersecurity Centre website, data breach customer service, crisis emergency services and MIELI Mental Health Finland. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Dell has issued a warning to its customers regarding a data breach following claims by a threat actor of pilfering information for roughly 49 million customers. In an email sent to customers, the computer manufacturer disclosed that a Dell portal containing customer data associated with purchases had been compromised. "We are presently investigating an incident involving a Dell portal, housing a database containing limited types of customer information linked to Dell purchases," stated a Dell data breach notification. Dell clarified that the accessed information encompassed:

• Names
• Physical addresses
• Dell hardware and order details, comprising service tags, item descriptions, order dates, and relevant warranty information

The company said the stolen data did not encompass financial or payment data, email addresses or phone numbers. Dell assured customers that they are collaborating with law enforcement and a third-party forensics firm to probe the matter. [caption id="attachment_67595" align="aligncenter" width="687"] Dell data breach notification[/caption] Dell Technologies is a publicly traded company that operates in 180 countries and is headquartered in Round Rock, Texas. Dell is the third-largest personal computer vendor in the world by unit sales, behind Lenovo and HP and serves more than 10 million small and medium-sized businesses and receives 500 million annual eCommerce visits. The tech giant generated a revenue of $102.3 billion in 2023 and has over 500,000 commercial customers and 2,500 enterprise accounts.

Dell Data Breach Set Appeared on Dark Web

Despite Dell's reassurances, the breach data was purportedly put up for sale on an underground hacker forum by a threat actor named “Menelik” on April 28. The threat actor claimed this data set contained an up-to-date details of registered Dell servers including vital personal and company information such as full names, addresses, cities, provinces, postal codes, countries, unique 7-digit service tags of systems, system shipment dates (warranty start), warranty plans, serial numbers (for monitors), Dell customer numbers and Dell order numbers. The threat actor asserted that he was the sole possessor of this data that entailed approximately 7 million records of individual/personal purchases, while 11 million belong to consumer segment companies. The remaining data pertained to enterprise, partners, schools or unidentified entities. The threat actor also highlighted the top five countries with the most systems represented in the database, which included the United States, China, India, Australia and Canada. The data, claimed to be sourced from Dell and containing 49 million customers and other systems details between 2017 and 2024, aligned with the details outlined in Dell's breach notification. However, The Cyber Express could not confirm if the two data sets are the same as Dell did not immediately respond to our request for confirmation. Although the sale of the database appears to have ceased, the possibility of further exploitation remains. Although Dell refrained from disclosing the specific impact of the breach, it remains vigilant about potential risks associated with the stolen information. While the compromised data lacks email addresses, threat actors could exploit it for targeted phishing and smishing attacks against Dell customers. They could contact Dell customers as fake customer service executives and lead them into downloading malware or infostealers as is seen in many previous campaigns. Dell advises customers to exercise caution regarding any communications purportedly from Dell, especially those urging software installations, password changes or other risky actions and encourages customers to verify the legitimacy of such communications directly with Dell. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Tech giant notifies millions of customers that full names and physical mailing addresses were stolen during a security incident.

The post Dell Says Customer Names, Addresses Stolen in Database Breach appeared first on SecurityWeek.

SigningHub has denied the allegations of the cyberattack orchestrated by the IntelBroker hacker. The UK-based online document signing and digital signature creation service provider has shared a blog post, detailing the false claims made by the threat actor.  The organization stated that "this claim has been found to be 100% false", and upon analysis of the file purported to be the source code of Ascertia SigningHub, the organization denoted that the file does not include any source code or executable related to SigningHub or any other Ascertia product. The SigningHub data leak, initially posted on the nuovo BreachForums, shared insights into the operation of the organization. IntelBroker, a known entity in the hacker community, revealed the breach on May 8, 2024, shedding light on an incident that allegedly occurred in December 2023. The leaked source code encompasses crucial elements of SigningHub's infrastructure, including API services, docker container files, certificates, libraries, and other sensitive data. 

Ascertia Denies Allegations of the SigningHub Data Leak

Following the SigningHub data leak claims, Ascertia responded to the claims via a blog post, stating the SigningHub data breach and source code leak to be false. Allegations arose on May 8th via Twitter/X, claiming unauthorized access to Ascertia's network in December 2023. After thorough investigation, Ascertia confirmed no breach or access to SigningHub's source code. The file posted online purported to be SigningHub's source code was analyzed, revealing no related content. The Ascertia IT team simultaneously began a thorough investigation of the Ascertia network security systems and logs. At this time, Ascertia can confirm that there is no unauthorised access from bad actors and has concluded that the claims of a data breach are also false", stated Ascertia. Simultaneously, Ascertia's IT team examined network security systems and logs, confirming no unauthorized access. Ascertia emphasizes its dedication to information security, GDPR compliance, and robust security measures. Ongoing analysis of network access points and systems ensures product, staff, and client data security."

IntelBroker Claims SigningHub Data Leak

[caption id="attachment_67397" align="alignnone" width="1402"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] The announcement of the SigningHub data breach paints a grim picture of the intrusion and its alleged impact. The post, titled "SigningHub - File Signing SRC Leaked, Download!", was shared by the threat actor while other users commended the hacker for this intrusion, stating the SigningHub code leak was “another great hit”, “top release” and other words of praise.  The Cyber Express has reached out to Ascertia to learn more about this SigningHub data leak. However, at the time of writing this, no official statement or response has been shared apart from the blog post by the parent company Ascertia. In an attempt to shed light on the operation associated with the hacker, The Cyber Express reached out to IntelBroker for insights into their motivations and methods. In a recent interview, IntelBroker shared details of their hacking journey, affiliations, and previous exploits, highlighting the scale and sophistication of their operations.

The IntelBroker Modus Operandi and Recent Attacks

[embed]https://youtu.be/wXuurLlu25I?si=FQYqB3byG3-0lgyr[/embed] IntelBroker's track record includes a series of high-profile breaches targeting organizations across various sectors, ranging from aviation and technology to government agencies. Notable breaches attributed to IntelBroker include infiltrations at the Los Angeles International Airport, Acuity, General Electric, DC Health Link, and others, each revealing the extent of vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure. The alleged breach at SigningHub adds another layer of complexity to the IntelBroker operations as the hacker has claimed multiple data breaches in 2024, highlighting the pressing issue of security. The Cyber Express will be closely monitoring the situation and we’ll update this post once we have more information on the SigningHub source code leak or any official confirmation from the organization. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

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Google has brought together its Gemini AI model with its Mandiant cybersecurity unit and VirusTotal threat Intelligence to enhance threat landscape accessibility and efficiency. The company also plans to use its Gemini 1.5 Pro large language model, released in February, to ease the understanding of threat reports for a broader audience. At the RSA Conference in San Francisco, Google unveiled their latest AI-based solution to add more value to threat intelligence. Tackling the long-standing challenges of fragmented threat landscapes and cumbersome data collection processes, Google Threat Intelligence integrates Mandiant's frontline expertise, real-time contributions from VirusTotal's global community and Google's visibility into extensive user and device footprint to deliver a comprehensive defense against evolving cyber threats. Bernardo Quintero, founder of VirusTotal called this initiative a “sharing knowledge, protecting together” mission, which it has embraced with Google and Mandiant.

“I want to assure our entire community, from security researchers and industry partners to individual users, that VirusTotal's core mission remains unchanged. We remain deeply dedicated to collective intelligence and collaboration, fostering a platform where everyone can come together to share knowledge, access valuable threat information, and contribute to the fight against cyber threats,” Quintero said.

“VirusTotal remains committed to a level playing field, ensuring all partners, including Google Threat Intelligence, have equal access to the crowdsourced data VirusTotal collects. We also want to assure you that the core features and functionalities of VirusTotal will remain free and accessible to everyone, as always,” he added, clearing the air around VirusTotal’s future. “The strength of VirusTotal lies in its network of contributors and the vast amount of data they provide. This data serves as a valuable resource for the entire security industry, empowering our partners and others to enhance their products and contribute to a more secure digital world. This collaborative approach, based on transparency and equal access, strengthens the industry as a whole, ultimately leading to better protection for everyone.”

Challenges Addressed and Google’s Gemini AI Integration

For years, organizations have grappled with two primary hurdles in threat intelligence: a lack of holistic visibility into the threat landscape and the arduous task of collecting and operationalizing intelligence data. Google's new offering aims to address these challenges head-on providing insights and operational efficiency to security teams worldwide. The integration of Gemini, Google's AI-powered agent, enhances the operationalization of threat intelligence, streamlining the analysis process and accelerating response times. Using the Gemini 1.5 Pro large language model, Google claims to significantly reduce the time required to analyze malware attacks. For instance, the model took only 34 seconds to dissect the WannaCry virus and identify a kill switch, demonstrating its efficacy in threat analysis. Another key feature of Gemini AI is its ability to summarize threat reports into natural language, aiding companies in assessing potential attacks' impact and prioritizing responses. Threat Intelligence also offers a comprehensive threat monitoring network, empowering users to gain insights into the cybersecurity landscape and prioritize their defense strategies. Mandiant's experts, acquired by Google in 2022, play a vital role in assessing security vulnerabilities in AI projects through the Secure AI Framework. They conduct rigorous testing to fortify AI models against potential threats like data poisoning, ensuring their resilience against malicious exploitation. While Google is pioneering the integration of AI into cybersecurity, other tech giants like Microsoft are also exploring similar avenues, underscoring the growing significance of AI in safeguarding digital assets against evolving threats. As cyber threats continue to evolve, proactive defense strategies are more critical than ever. With Google Threat Intelligence, organizations can leverage cutting-edge technology to detect, analyze, and mitigate threats effectively, ensuring the security and resilience of their digital infrastructure in an increasingly complex threat landscape.  Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

A class action lawsuit has been filed against J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., alleging that the financial giant failed to implement adequate security measures, leading to the exposure of sensitive personal data of its clients. Benjamin Valentine, a former employee of the Long Island Railroad, filed a complaint alleging that his personal information was improperly obtained in a recent J P Morgan data breach that compromised the accounts of thousands of users.

J P Morgan Data Breach Compromised Thousands of Users

[caption id="attachment_67262" align="alignnone" width="971"] Source: Chase[/caption] According to documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on May 3, Valentine's case is detailed in a Class Action Complaint (Case 1:24-cv-03438-JLR). The lawsuit contends that J.P. Morgan, a significant player in the financial industry offering a wide array of services to millions of customers, failed to adequately safeguard the personal information of its clients' employees, resulting in substantial harm. Valentine's complaint outlines how J.P. Morgan collected and maintained sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) of its clients' employees, including names, addresses, payment details, and Social Security numbers. This information, crucial for financial transactions and security, was compromised in the J P Morgan data breach and fell into the hands of cybercriminals. The lawsuit asserts that as a consequence of the breach, Valentine and approximately 451,000 other affected individuals suffered tangible damages, including invasion of privacy, identity theft, and the loss of trust and value in their personal information. Moreover, the breach exposed them to ongoing risks of fraud and further misuse of their data.

The Legal Action on J P Morgan

The legal action further alleges that J.P. Morgan's failure to implement adequate cybersecurity measures and its reckless handling of sensitive data contributed directly to the breach. Despite claims by J.P. Morgan that the breach was not the result of a cyberattack, the lawsuit argues that the company's negligence made it a target for such malicious activities. Valentine's complaint highlights J.P. Morgan's purported lack of transparency and timely notification regarding the breach, leaving affected individuals uninformed about the root cause and remedial actions taken. This, the lawsuit claims, exacerbates the emotional and financial distress experienced by victims. The Cyber Express has reached out to the organization to learn more about this J P Morgan data leak. However, J.P. Morgan has not provided an official statement regarding the cyber incident. Following the incident, a regulatory filing revealed that the breach stemmed from a software issue, which the company addressed promptly upon discovery. Valentine seeks various forms of relief through the lawsuit, including compensation for damages, injunctive relief, and reimbursement of legal fees. He is represented by the law firm Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman LLC, based in Garden City, New York. As the legal proceedings unfold, The Cyber Express will be closely monitoring the situation and we’ll update this post once we have more information on the data breach or any new updates about the lawsuit.   Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Health insurance giant Kaiser has announced it will notify millions of patients about a data breach after sharing patients’ data with advertisers.

Kaiser said that an investigation led to the discovery that “certain online technologies, previously installed on its websites and mobile applications, may have transmitted personal information to third-party vendors.”

In the required notice with the US government, Kaiser lists 13.4 million affected individuals. Among these third-party ad vendors are Google, Microsoft, and X. Kaiser said it subsequently removed the tracking code from its websites and mobile apps.

A tracking pixel is a piece of code that website owners can place on their website. The pixel collects data that helps businesses track people and target adverts at them. That’s nice for the advertisers, but the information gathered by these pixels tells them a lot about your browsing behavior, and a lot about you.

This kind of data leak normally happens when a website includes sensitive information in its URLs (web addresses). The URLs you visit are shared with the company that provides the tracking pixel, so if the URL contains sensitive information it will end up in the hands of the tracking company. The good news is that while it’s easy for websites to leak information like this, there is no suggestion that tracking pixel operators are aware of it, or acting on it, and it would probably be hugely impractical for them to do so.

The leaked data includes member names and IP addresses, as well as information that could indicate if members were signed into a Kaiser Permanente account or service, how they interacted with it, how they navigated through the website and mobile applications, and what search terms they used in the health encyclopedia.

A spokesperson said that Kaiser intends to begin notifying the affected current and former members and patients who accessed its websites and mobile apps in May.

Not so long ago, we reported how mental health company Cerebral failed to protect sensitive personal data, and ended up having to pay $7 million. Also due to tracking pixels, so this is a recurring problem we are likely to see lots more of. Research done by TheMarkup in June of 2022 showed that Meta’s pixel could be found on the websites of 33 of the top 100 hospitals in America.

Check your digital footprint

Malwarebytes has a new free tool for you to check how much of your personal data has been exposed online. Submit your email address (it’s best to give the one you most frequently use) to our free Digital Footprint scan and we’ll give you a report and recommendations.