Recent Cyber Security Breaches: Microsoft, Shopify and More

cyber security
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.

Microsoft (United States)

Technology Conglomerate

The Hack: Unsecured Database

Quick Summary: “In a rare security blunder, Microsoft failed to secure a backend server for Bing. The server is estimated to have leaked more than 6.5TB of log files containing 13 billion records originating from the Bing search engine. The leak included the server exposed technical details, such as search queries, details about the user’s system (device, OS, browser, etc.), geo-location details (where available), and various tokens, hashes, and coupon codes.” -Kevin Lancaster

Shopify (Canada)

e -Commerce Platform

The Hack: Malicious Insider

Quick Summary: “The data of customers for an estimated 200 merchants on Shopify was exposed in an insider incident at the e-commerce giant. Two employees who were working a scheme to steal transaction data are to blame. The data exposed includes client details like email, name, and street address, as well as order details, but does not involve complete payment card numbers or financial information. The company hosts over one million businesses across more than 175 countries on its platform.” -Kevin Lancaster

University Hospital New Jersey (United States)

Healthcare Provider

The Hack: Unauthorized Systems Access

Quick Summary: “The SunCrypt ransomware operation has leaked data allegedly stolen from University Hospital New Jersey (UHNJ) in a ransomware attack. The attackers have leaked 1.6 GB ff the 240 GB of data containing over 48,000 documents. The documents contain patient information release authorization forms, copies of driving licenses, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), date of birth (DOB), and records about the Board of Directors.” -Kevin Lancaster

Public Health Wales (Wales)

Government Agency

The Hack: Accidental Data Exposure

Quick Summary: “Personal data concerning 18,105 residents of Wales who tested positive for COVID-19 was uploaded by mistake to a public server and spent 20 hours online in August, Public Health Wales said on Monday. The agency says that for the majority of cases, 16,179 people, the information consisted of initials, dates of birth, geographical area, and sex. For 1,926 people living in nursing homes and supported housing, the information also included the names of the homes.” -Kevin Lancaster

Staples (United States)

Office Supply Retailer

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Staples has notified some customers of a cybersecurity incident that occurred earlier this month around 9/02 and consisted of unauthorized access to a system. Little information is available, but the event. The letter notes that “a limited amount” of order data for customers of Staples.com was obtained, and may contain names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, last four credit card digits, details about the order (delivery, cost, product), and other non-sensitive information.” -Kevin Lancaster

University of Tasmania (Australia)

Institution of Higher Learning

The Hack: Accidental Data Exposure

Quick Summary: “That classic human error is to blame for the accidental exposure of students’ personal data to faculty members at the University of Tasmania. In a security bungle, the personal information of 19,900 students was made public through a misconfigured Microsoft Office365 SharePoint site that was accessible to anyone with a utas.edu.au email address.”
-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.