Recent Cyber Security Breaches: PayPal, Special Olympics NY and More

Monica Morris • Jan 08, 2020

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.

PayPal

Online payment platform

The Hack:  Phishing attack

Summary from Kevin Lancaster:  “Some PayPal users are receiving phishing emails purportedly notifying of unusual account activity and requiring users to verify their personal information to restore full account access. The hackers fabricate a sense of urgency by noting that user accounts will be disabled until they confirm their identity. Although the messages contain many tell-tale signs of a phishing scam, they pose a serious risk to PayPal customers and the company’s reputation.”

Nexus Mods

Game module website

The Hack:  Unauthorized database access

Summary from Kevin Lancaster:  “Hackers exploited a legacy codebase on the platform to access user credentials. Although the company discovered the breach in November, they just revealed it this week, a move that will likely increase the customer blowback from the incident. While Nexus Mods moved up the development of new software and worked to mitigate the risks posed by their outdated code base, the incident reflects a lack of attention to detail and breach response plan.”

LifeLabs (Canada)

Laboratory diagnostics and testing service.

The Hack:  Ransomware

Summary from Kevin Lancaster:  “Hackers accessed Life Labs’ IT, stealing copious amounts of customer information and demanding a ransom for the data’s return. In a notice to customers, Life Labs notes that it identified the breach in October, but waited until December to notify customers, a concerning timeframe that will make it more difficult for victims to protect their credentials against misuse. According to the company, they paid the ransom and their data was returned. Now they are declaring the incident a “low risk” to customers”, but given their poor communication so far, this is unlikely to assuage anyone’s concerns anytime soon.”

Special Olympics NY

Nonprofit organization

The Hack:  Phishing scam

Summary from Kevin Lancaster:  “Cybercriminals hacked the organization’s network and used this access to send phishing emails to its previous donors. Special Olympics NY contacted those impacted by the event, asking them to disregard the phishing communication and to offer confidence that their data was secure. Criminals created a sense of urgency by alerting donors that an automatic donation for $1,942,49 was scheduled to debit in two hours, and the emails invited users to confirm their donation by inputting their personal data on a malicious website.”

Sinai Health System

Chicago-based healthcare network

The Hack:  Phishing scam

Summary from Kevin Lancaster:  “Two employees fell for a phishing scam that gave hackers access to email accounts containing patients’ personal data. The attack, which occurred on October 16th, wasn’t discovered until December. In response, Sinai Health Network reset employees’ email passwords and provided employees with phishing scam awareness training to prevent a similar event in the future. Unfortunately, these actions cannot undo the damage of a data breach, and the healthcare network will now endure heavy regulatory scrutiny, as the Office for Civil Rights has launched an investigation into the incident.”

Andrew Agencies (Canada)

Insurance and financial service provider

The Hack:  Ransomware

Summary from Kevin Lancaster:  “A ransomware attack has encrypted hundreds of the agency’s computers, rendering them unusable and leaving the company searching for a solution. The company first discovered the attack back in October but has declined to pay the ransom. However, the hackers are continuing to set new payment deadlines with promises to publish the company’s data if they don’t comply. The group claims to have 1.5GB of customer data, but that claim has gone unverified by hackers and the media.”

 

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.

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
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