Recent Cyber Security Breaches: Honda Motor Company, Joomla and More

As a managed IT service provider it is important to us to make sure to stay in know about the latest cyber security breaches. Every few weeks we like to share our findings with you here on our blog. Please take a peek below to learn more about some of the most recent cyber attacks here and around the world.

Honda Motor Company Inc. (Japan)

Automotive and Equipment Manufacturer

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Honda was recently walloped by a huge cyberattack that briefly shut down production at its factories worldwide. The attackers are suspected of using SNAKE/EKANS ransomware to infiltrate equipment and computer systems connected to operations and production in every Honda facility, leading to delayed post-pandemic reopenings at some factories. Honda is undertaking restoration operations at its factories, sales centers, and business units and has successfully restored most functionality.” -Kevin Lancaster

Joomla

Content management system

The Hack: Unsecured database

Quick Summary: “Developers failed to secure backup files on a cloud storage platform, leaving people’s personal data exposed to the internet. The storage platform doesn’t automatically encrypt data, but enabling these security features is simple, making this incident an unforced error that was easily preventable. While the platform has secured the database, this breach will test users’ loyalty at a time when people are more willing than ever to leave businesses that can’t protect their information.” -Kevin Lancaster

Earthquake Commission (New Zealand)

Crown Entity

The Hack: Accidental data sharing

Quick Summary: “The Earthquake Commission has come under public scrutiny after the organization accidentally shared peoples’ personal information with a company lawyer and their client. The organization was quick to blame an employee who failed to implement data security stopgaps intended to prevent such an error. The breach has been a PR disaster for the company, which has been slow to notify victims and repair the damage. As a result, the Earthquake Commission is experiencing media scrutiny and intense customer blowback as those angered by the incident speak publicly about their frustration with the company.” -Kevin Lancaster

San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS)

Public employee benefits program

The Hack: Unauthorized database access

Quick Summary: “An unauthorized user accessed a critical database managed by the program’s third-party vendor, causing a significant data breach. The breach, which occurred on February 24, 2020, wasn’t discovered until the end of March. An analysis of the incident couldn’t be completed until this month, leaving many people unaware that their information might be compromised. This data breach reveals the cybersecurity risk that accompanies third-party partnerships but also the often-lengthy delay between breach identification and notification.” -Kevin Lancaster

Fitness Depot (Canada)

Fitness Equipment Retailer

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Fitness Depot’s online store was infected with card-skimming malware that stole customers’ personal and financial data at checkout. It took the retailer more than three months to identify the breach, giving cybercriminals ample time to capitalize on the surge of online sales since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The data breach, which began on February 18th, will likely cause online shoppers to think twice before buying from their platform, potentially disrupting a vital lifeline while many in-person shops remain closed.” -Kevin Lancaster

Lion Beer Australia (Australia)

Brewing conglomerate

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “At Lion Brewing Australia, operations were disrupted by a ransomware attack as it began to reopen and restaff its 8 breweries in Australia and New Zealand. The attack came just as the company was able to resume operations after a period of closure caused by COVID-19 restrictions. The company has been forced to shut down its key systems entirely, reverting to manual systems to operate and process orders in this devastating incident that has still not been fully resolved.” -Kevin Lancaster

To learn more about how to keep your company safe and secure, click  here  to explore our San Diego IT Services & IT Security plans that are offered by SDTEK.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.