Security Alert: Equifax Data Breach Impacts 143 Million People
Reporting agencies and security blogs are ablaze today with the news that Credit-reporting giant Equifax suffered a data breach possibly exposing critical information on 143 million U.S. consumers.
Hackers supposedly exploited a vulnerability in a website application and gained unauthorized access to files as far back as mid-May. Information exposed in the hack: names, Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. The company discovered the breach on July 29th and is working with law enforcement and a cyber-security firm to investigate the breach.
Additionally, according to Reuters: 209,000 credit card numbers and 182,000 dispute documents containing personal identifying information of U.S. consumers were also accessed.
Security firm KnowBe4 warns in a post to expect an onslaught of credit card-themed phishing emails soon. We agree. Be especially suspicious of emails asking you to click links or visit websites to verify information, etc. NEVER respond via any link or attachment in an email. ALWAYS visit the official site of your service provider or call their official published number.
Take this very seriously, folks. This has the potential to be one of the most damaging breaches to date. Stay Safe.
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