Malware
Hackers Expose Supposed Taylor Swift Tickets, Intensify Ticketmaster Blackmail with Power Word
Hackers have leaked alleged Taylor Swift concert tickets and intensified their extortion efforts against Ticketmaster. The group, known as REvil, is demanding a $10 million ransom for the stolen data and threatening to reveal more.
![Hackers Expose Supposed Taylor Swift Tickets, Intensify Ticketmaster Blackmail with Power Word 1](https://it-services.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ticketmaster-Reveals-Colossal-Data-Breach-Stolen-Information-Found-for-Sale.jpg)
Imagine being a die-hard Taylor Swift fan, eagerly awaiting her next concert, and then finding out that your ticket information has been compromised. Well, that’s precisely what happened to a large number of fans recently when hackers leaked the barcode data of 166,000 Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets. The hackers have warned that more events will be leaked if a $2 million extortion demand isn’t met.
Back in May, a notorious threat actor named ShinyHunters started selling data on 560 million Ticketmaster customers for $500,000. Ticketmaster later confirmed the data breach, stating it was from their account on Snowflake, a cloud-based data warehousing company they use to store databases, process data, and perform analytics.
By April, threat actors had begun downloading Snowflake databases of at least 165 organizations using credentials stolen by information-stealing malware. They then blackmailed these companies, demanding payment to prevent the data from being leaked or sold to other threat actors. Companies known to have had data stolen from their Snowflake accounts include Neiman Marcus, Los Angeles Unified School District, Advance Auto Parts, Pure Storage, and Satander.
When Concert Dreams Turn into Nightmares
Today, a threat actor known as Sp1d3rHunters has leaked what they claim is the ticket data for 166,000 Taylor Swift Eras Tour barcodes used to gain entry on various concert dates.
Sp1d3rHunters, previously named Sp1d3r, is the threat actor behind the sale of data stolen from Snowflake accounts, publicly extorting the various companies for payments. The extortion demand, shared by threat intel service HackManac, reads, “Pay us $2million USD or we leak all 680M of your users’ information and 30 million more event barcodes, including more Taylor Swift events, P!nk, Sting, Sporting events F1 Formula Racing, MLB, NFL, and thousands more events.”
The post claims the barcode data is for upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Miami, New Orleans, and Indianapolis. It includes a small sample of the alleged barcode data, containing the value used to create a scannable barcode, seat information, the face value of tickets, and other information. The threat actor even shared details on how to turn this data into a scannable barcode.
While the barcode data wasn’t part of the initial leak of stolen Ticketmaster data samples released by the threat actors in May, some of the newly leaked data can be found in the older leaks, including the hashed credit card and sales order information for the tickets.
The group behind these attacks is ShinyHunters, which has been responsible for many data breaches over the years. These include leaking the data for 386 million user records from 18 companies in 2020, an AT&T breach impacting 70 million customers, and most recently, the leaking of 33 million phone numbers used with the Authy multi-factor authentication app.
Update: Ticketmaster has informed us that unique barcodes are updated every few seconds, so the stolen tickets cannot be used. “Ticketmaster’s SafeTix technology protects tickets by automatically refreshing a new and unique barcode every few seconds so it cannot be stolen or copied,” Ticketmaster told us. “This is just one of many fraud protections we implement to keep tickets safe and secure.” They also confirmed that they did not engage in any ransom negotiations with the threat actors, disputing ShinyHunter’s claims that they were offered $1 million to delete the data.
Protect Yourself and Stay Informed
This incident is just one example of how vulnerable our personal data can be in the digital age. To stay informed about cybersecurity threats and how to protect yourself, make sure to keep coming back to our IT Services page. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Don’t let hackers ruin your concert experience or compromise your personal information. Stay informed and stay safe.
Malware
Avis Reveals Massive Data Breach: Customer Information Compromised in Car Rental Empire
Car rental company Avis recently disclosed a data breach affecting customer data. The breach exposed sensitive information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. Protect your personal information by staying vigilant and monitoring your accounts for any suspicious activity.
![Avis Reveals Massive Data Breach: Customer Information Compromised in Car Rental Empire 14](https://it-services.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Avis-Reveals-Massive-Data-Breach-Customer-Information-Compromised-in-Car.jpeg)
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Did you hear the news? American car rental giant Avis recently informed customers that cybercriminals breached one of its business applications last month and stole some of their personal information.
According to data breach notification letters sent to impacted customers and filed with California’s Office of the Attorney General, Avis took action to stop the unauthorized access and launched an investigation with the help of external cybersecurity experts after learning of the breach on August 5th.
What did the investigation uncover?
The investigation revealed that the attacker had access to Avis’s business application from August 3rd to 6th. The company managed to evict the malicious actor from its systems and blocked its access on August 6th. On August 14th, it also discovered that the attacker stole some customers’ personal information, including their names and other undisclosed sensitive data.
Since the breach, Avis says it has worked with outside experts to strengthen security measures for the affected application and implemented additional safeguards across its systems.
What has Avis done to protect its customers?
Avis has been actively reviewing security monitoring and controls to bolster security defenses and warned customers of identity theft and fraud risks following the data breach. The company advised those whose personal information was stolen to remain vigilant against threats of identity theft or fraud. They suggested customers do this by regularly reviewing and monitoring their account statements and credit history for any signs of unauthorized transactions or activity and contacting credit reporting agencies if they suspect any unauthorized activity.
Moreover, Avis offered those affected a free one-year membership to Equifax’s credit monitoring service, which provides assistance with identity theft detection and resolution.
About Avis and its global presence
Avis is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, a leading global mobility solutions provider that also owns Zipcar, the world’s leading car-sharing network. Its Avis and Budget car rental brands operate over 10,000 rental locations in 180 countries across North America, Europe, and Australasia. Avis Budget Group has reported more than $3.0 billion in revenues for the second quarter of 2024.
We reached out to Avis for more information about the attack’s nature, the number of affected customers, and the other personal information stolen in the breach, but the company has not responded yet.
Stay informed and protected
Cybersecurity is more important than ever, and we at IT Services are dedicated to helping you stay informed and protected. We encourage you to keep coming back to learn more about the latest cybersecurity news and trends. Together, we can make the digital world a safer place for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Malware
Massive Data Breach Exposed: Business Powerhouse CBIZ Reveals Customer Information Compromised
CBIZ, a leading provider of business services, has disclosed a data breach affecting customer information. The breach occurred when an unauthorized third party accessed an employee’s email account, potentially compromising clients’ names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. CBIZ is offering free credit monitoring services to affected clients and has implemented additional security measures.
![Massive Data Breach Exposed: Business Powerhouse CBIZ Reveals Customer Information Compromised 15](https://it-services.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Massive-Data-Breach-Exposed-Business-Powerhouse-CBIZ-Reveals-Customer-Information.jpg)
Imagine waking up one day to find out that your personal information has been stolen by hackers. Your name, contact details, social security number, date of birth, and even your health information are now in the hands of cybercriminals. This nightmare scenario recently became a reality for thousands of people when a major U.S. company fell victim to a data breach.
CBIZ: A Cybersecurity Wake-up Call
CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services (CBIZ), one of the largest professional services companies in the United States, recently disclosed a significant data breach involving unauthorized access to client information stored in specific databases. This management consulting company, which provides financial and benefits and insurance services to various organizations and individual customers, reported that a threat actor exploited a vulnerability in one of its web pages and stole customer data between June 2 and June 21.
Upon discovering the intrusion on June 24, CBIZ launched an investigation with the help of cybersecurity professionals. They found that an unauthorized party was able to exploit a vulnerability associated with one of its web pages and acquire information from certain databases during the three-week period. To put things in perspective, CBIZ operates 120 offices across the country, employs 6,700 people, and recorded a revenue of $1.59 billion in 2023.
What Was Stolen?
Hackers managed to steal information belonging to nearly 36,000 individuals. The compromised data includes:
- Name
- Contact details
- Social Security number
- Date of birth/death
- Retiree health information
- Welfare plan information
Protecting Yourself and Your Data
CBIZ began sending personalized notifications to impacted clients on August 28, informing them of the breach. While the company has no evidence that the stolen data has been misused, they are offering guidance on how to enroll in a two-year credit monitoring and identity theft protection service to reduce potential risk. Additionally, impacted clients are advised to consider placing a credit/security freeze and adding a fraud alert to their credit report.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the need to protect our personal information. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and businesses of all sizes must take the necessary precautions to safeguard their customers’ data. As individuals, we must also stay informed and vigilant to protect ourselves from the consequences of data breaches.
Don’t Be a Victim: Stay Informed and Take Action
Here at IT Services, our mission is to help you stay ahead of cyber threats. We provide the latest news, updates, and resources on cybersecurity to help you protect your digital footprint. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual user, knowledge is power when it comes to defending against cyberattacks. So don’t wait for a wake-up call like CBIZ – take action now to secure your digital life.
Stay informed and keep coming back to learn more. And remember, if you have any concerns or questions about cybersecurity, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice and support.
Malware
DICK’S Sporting Goods Halts Email & Locks Employee Accounts Following Intense Cyberattack
US retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods suffered a cyberattack, prompting the company to shut down employee email accounts and reset passwords. Discover how the attack unfolded and what measures the company is taking to prevent future incidents.
![DICK'S Sporting Goods Halts Email & Locks Employee Accounts Following Intense Cyberattack 16](https://it-services.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DICKS-Sporting-Goods-Halts-Email-Locks-Employee-Accounts-Following.jpg)
Last Wednesday, DICK’S Sporting Goods, the largest chain of sporting goods retail stores in the United States, discovered a cyberattack that exposed confidential information. With $12.98 billion in revenue in 2023 and over 857 stores across the country, this breach impacts a significant number of people.
Responding to the Cyberattack
In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), DICK’S has hired outside cybersecurity experts to help contain the security breach and assess the impact. The company stated, “On August 21, 2024, the Company discovered unauthorized third-party access to its information systems, including portions of its systems containing certain confidential information.”
As soon as the incident was detected, DICK’S activated its cybersecurity response plan and engaged external cybersecurity experts to investigate, isolate, and contain the threat.
Keeping Information Under Wraps
According to an anonymous source, the company has been tight-lipped about the breach and has instructed employees not to discuss it publicly or put any information in writing. The same source revealed that email systems had been shut down, likely to isolate the attack, and all employees were locked out of their accounts. IT staff is now manually validating employees’ identities on camera before granting access to internal systems.
In an internal memo, DICK’S informed employees that most of them no longer have access to their systems due to a “planned activity” and that team leaders will contact them via personal email or text for further instructions.
Business Operations Unaffected
Phone lines at local stores are currently down due to the incident, but the company has reported no disruption to their business operations to date. In their SEC filing, DICK’S stated, “The Company has also notified federal law enforcement. The Company has no knowledge that this incident has disrupted business operations. The Company’s investigation of the incident remains ongoing.”
Although the company believes the incident is not material at this point, the investigation is still in progress, and the full impact remains to be seen.
What You Can Do
Cybersecurity is a critical concern for businesses and individuals alike. We at IT Services are committed to keeping you informed and protected. Stay tuned for updates on this situation, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice and assistance in safeguarding your personal and professional information. Let’s work together to stay one step ahead of cyber threats.
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