Recent Cyber Security Breaches: Morgan Stanley, Dreamhost and More

Monica Morris • Jul 17, 2021

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 security attacks here and around the world.

Morgan Stanley (United States)

Financial Services Firm

The Hack: Third-Party Data Breach

Quick Summary: “Morgan Stanley has reported a third-party data breach after attackers reportedly stole customer data by hacking into the Accellion FTA server of a third-party vendor. That vendor, Guidehouse, is a third-party vendor that provides account maintenance services to Morgan Stanley’s StockPlan Connect business. Guidehouse notified the investment banking company in May 2021 that attackers had accessed its Accellion FTA server. The Clop ransomware gang claimed responsibility for the original Accellion hack. ” -ID Agent

Altus Group (Canada)

Real Estate Software

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Altus Group, a commercial real estate software solutions company, has announced that its data was breached. The company initially said that no data was stolen, a new ransomware group begs to differ. New cybercrime gang Hive has published samples of data allegedly stolen from Altus Group on its new dark website. The provided sample of exfiltrated files includes business data and documents, as well as Argus certificates and development files. No ransom amount has been confirmed and the incident is under investigation.” -ID Agent

Mercedes Benz USA (United States)

Carmaker

The Hack: Third Party Risk

Quick Summary: “Mercedes-Benz USA has disclosed a data breach impacting some of its US customers. The data breach exposed PII of under 1,000 Mercedes-Benz customers and potential buyers. This breach was announced after a Mercedes-Benz vendor informed the company that the personal information of select customers was exposed due to an insufficiently secured cloud storage instance.” -ID Agent

French Connection UK (United Kingdom)

Clothing Brand

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “United Kingdom-based clothing company French Connection UK has been hit by a major cybercrime gang: REvil. The ransomware gang was able to get away with a plethora of internal company data after taking control of the company’s back-end servers. The type of data has not been specified, but both business and employee data is at risk.” -ID Agent

DreamHost (United States)

WordPress Hosting Service

The Hack: Unsecured Database

Quick Summary: “A misconfigured cloud database exposed over 800 million records linked to WordPress users through hosting provider DreamHost. The 814 million records came from the firm’s managed WordPress hosting business DreamPress and appeared to date back to 2018. In this 86GB database, researchers noted admin and user information, including WordPress login location URLs, first and last names, email addresses, usernames, roles, host IP addresses, timestamps and configuration and security information, some linked to users with .gov and .edu email addresses. The database was purportedly secured within hours but the damage had already been done.” -ID Agent

InfoSolutions (Sweden)

Medical IT Solutions

The Hack: Hacking

Quick Summary: “InfoSolutions, a company that provides IT services to Swedish Public Health Agency including maintaining journals and COVID-19 databases in Sweden, published a statement claiming that it detected an intrusion to a database employed by 15 of 21 Sweden’s regions. The company says that there is no indication that any information has been passed on and that the databases were locked quickly. The internal investigation is ongoing.” -ID Agent

*****

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

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
Share by: