Recent Cyber Security Breaches: Instacart, Canon and More

Cyber Security - Security Breaches
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.

Instacart

Grocery Shopping and Delivery Service

The Hack: Unauthorized Access to Data

Quick Summary: “In a statement posted to its website, Instacart has announced that it has suffered another data breach, less than a month after a breach that was widely reported in the media containing user account data. This time, two employees at a third-party service provider accessed accounts that they shouldn’t have, exposing customer information again.” -Kevin Lancaster

Carnival Corporation (United States)

Cruise Line

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Carnival has released a statement noting that on August 15 attackers “accessed and encrypted a portion of one brand’s information technology systems,” and that the intruders also downloaded files from the company’s network. preliminary assessment of the incident, Carnival said it expects that the attackers gained access to some guest and employees’ personal data, but it is still investigating the incident. This is Carnival’s second breach this year after another breach was disclosed in March.” -Kevin Lancaster

Canva (Australia)

Digital Design Platform

The Hack: Unauthorized Systems Access

Quick Summary: “Digital design powerhouse Canva found itself in hot water this week as hackers accessed the platform and used it to facilitate spear phishing attacks. Canva unwittingly provided phishing campaigns with graphics that then made the threat actors’ attacks appear more legitimate to facilitate pilfering credentials through social engineering trickery. The problem was first noted in February but has accelerated since. The hack may be related to a significant May 2019 data breach that Canva has not confirmed but was widely reported.” -Kevin Lancaster

Nova Scotia Health Authority (Canada)

Healthcare System

The Hack: Unauthorized Database Access

Quick Summary: “Not one but two security breaches at the Nova Scotia Health Authority have been reported as patient data was accessed by unauthorized individuals. The information was reported as “viewed”, but no details were given on how or by whom. The Nova Scotia Health Authority said it had notified the province’s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.” -Kevin Lancaster

Canon (Japan)

Optical and Imaging Products Manufacturer

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “International equipment behemoth Canon reported in a letter to staffers that it had been the victim of a ransomware attack that Canon impacted numerous services, including Canon’s internal email, Microsoft Teams, USA website, and other essential business applications. The Maze ransomware group has claimed credit for the successful attack and disruption of Canon’s business systems. Maze operators stated that they extracted 10 terabytes of data on private databases in the attack. Canon notes that some users’ still image and video image data stored in its image.canon cloud photo platform involving the 10GB long-term storage option was missing but offered no details as to the type of images that were taken.” -Kevin Lancaster

Freepik (United States)

Photo and Graphic Library

The Hack: Unauthorized Database Access (Hacking)

Quick Summary: “Photo and graphics giant Freepik the security breach occurred after hackers were able to exploit an SQL vulnerability to gain access to one of its databases storing user data. The unidentified cybercriminals gained access to usernames and passwords for the oldest accounts registered on the Freepik and Flaticon websites, impacting millions of users.” -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.