T-Mobile has revealed that hackers have breached Experian’s network and stolen a trove of customer data. The data stolen from those 15 million victims includes their names, addresses, and birth dates, as well as encrypted social security numbers, drivers’ license ID numbers, and passport ID numbers.
Security experts have provided @DFMag the following commentary on this significant cyber attack;
Mike Spykerman, Vice President at OPSWAT
“Data breaches are on the rise since they are lucrative and relatively low risk. The T-mobile breach highlights the fact that attackers are now aiming for personal data instead of credit card information since identity theft brings in higher rewards. Unfortunately, as long as there is a market for stolen data, data breaches will continue to increase. Organisations should boost their defenses against a data breach by deploying several cyber security layers including device monitoring and management, scanning with multiple anti-malware engines, improved email security, and advanced threat protection.”
Ryan Wilk, Director at NuData Security
“Data breaches don’t occur in a vacuum. The repercussions are widespread and often have a ripple effect. That’s why fraud detection is so important. With detection and behavioural analysis, fraud can be stopped before it has detrimental consequences. The breach has already happened, but its still possible to prevent hackers from being able to use the data they steal in these incidents, rendering it completely useless to them and thus protecting victims of a data breach from further harm.
With a comprehensive, passive behavior profiling system, suspicious activity can be immediately identified and blocked. This could provide victims of the Experian breach with an additional layer of protection even after the fact.”
Gavin Reid, VP of threat intelligence at Lancope
“When you type “Experian” into Google, the suggested first result is “Experian data breach”, the next results are “Experian data breach 2014” and “Experian data breach 2013”. Experian has experienced 3 major hacks in as many years! If this isn’t a wake up call to take action, I don’t know what is.”
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