Malware

When Your Daily Bread Turns Sour: The Panera Employee Data Breach Nightmare

Picture this: it’s a beautiful morning, and you’re at your local Panera Bread, sipping on a freshly brewed coffee and enjoying a warm, buttery croissant. Life feels perfect, right? But, what if I told you that while you’re savoring your breakfast, your personal information could be at risk? That’s right, folks – the beloved bakery-café chain recently experienced a massive data breach, affecting thousands of their employees.

What Happened at Panera Bread?

In March, Panera Bread fell victim to a ransomware attack, a type of cybercrime in which hackers demand a ransom to restore access to a company’s data. Unfortunately, this attack didn’t just impact the company’s operations – it also exposed the sensitive personal information of their employees.

Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not a Panera employee! Why should I care?” Well, this incident serves as a stark reminder that no one is immune to cyber threats – not even your favorite neighborhood bakery. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive a little deeper into the Panera data breach and learn how to protect ourselves from similar threats in the future.

How Did the Attackers Get In?

It’s no secret that cyber attackers are getting more sophisticated by the day. In the case of Panera Bread, the hackers exploited a vulnerability in the company’s network – a weakness that allowed them to access sensitive employee information. This isn’t uncommon, though. In fact, 60% of cyber attacks are caused by internal vulnerabilities, such as poor security practices or outdated software.

What Can We Learn From Panera’s Mistake?

It’s easy to point fingers and blame Panera for not having better cybersecurity measures in place. However, it’s crucial for all of us to realize that this could happen to anyone – even you. So, instead of dwelling on Panera’s misfortune, let’s take this opportunity to learn from their mistakes and improve our own security habits.

Update your software regularly: Outdated software is a goldmine for hackers, so make sure you’re always running the latest versions of your operating systems and applications.

Use strong, unique passwords: A strong password is your first line of defense against cyber attacks. Make sure you’re using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

Be vigilant about phishing scams: Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments in emails, especially if they’re from unknown senders. Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cyber criminals to steal your personal information.

Invest in cybersecurity tools: There are many affordable security tools available that can help protect your devices and data from cyber attacks. Don’t skimp on your security – invest in tools like antivirus software and firewalls to keep your data safe.

It’s Time to Take Action

The Panera Bread data breach is a wake-up call for all of us. Cyber attacks are no longer just a concern for large corporations and government entities – they can happen to anyone, anywhere.

But there’s good news: by taking a proactive approach to your cybersecurity, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to a similar attack. So, let’s all learn from Panera’s misfortune and take the necessary steps to safeguard our personal information.

If you’re ready to take control of your cybersecurity, I’m here to help. Contact me today to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the ever-growing threat of cyber attacks. And, of course, don’t forget to come back for more insights and advice on staying safe in our increasingly connected world.

A Personal Guide to Cybersecurity: Protecting Yourself in a Digital World

Hey there! I’m Peter Zendzian, and today we’re going to talk about something that affects everyone who uses the internet: cybersecurity. In this digital age, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever before. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate this complex world and ensure that you’re keeping yourself and your data safe.

The Growing Threat of Cyber Attacks

Did you know that cybercrime is expected to cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021? That’s a staggering amount, and it’s only growing. In fact, a cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds, affecting one in three Americans each year. The truth is, hackers are getting more sophisticated, and we need to keep up with their tactics to protect ourselves.

Real-Life Examples: When Cyber Attacks Hit Home

Remember the Equifax data breach in 2017? It exposed the personal information of 147 million Americans, including social security numbers, addresses, and credit card information. Or how about the recent Panera Bread employee data breach, which exposed sensitive employee information after a ransomware attack? These are just a couple of examples of how cyber attacks can impact our everyday lives, and it’s crucial that we take steps to prevent them.

How to Protect Yourself: Simple Steps for Better Cybersecurity

So, what can you do to protect yourself from cyber attacks? Here are some simple steps to follow:

Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts and change them regularly. This may seem like a hassle, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and makes it much harder for hackers to gain access.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi. Public networks can be easily hacked, so avoid accessing sensitive information or making online transactions when connected to one.

Keep your software and devices updated. Updates often include security patches, so staying up-to-date helps to protect you from known vulnerabilities.

Let’s Stay Safe Together

Now that you know the risks and some simple steps to protect yourself, it’s time to take action. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing battle, but with a little effort and vigilance, you can significantly reduce your risk.

Join me in this journey to better cybersecurity by contacting us and keep coming back for more tips and information. Together, we can make the internet a safer place for all of us.

Published

2 months ago

June 27, 2024

zendzipr

<h1>When Your Daily Bread Turns Sour: The Panera Employee Data Breach Nightmare</h1><br />
<br />
<p>Picture this: it's a beautiful morning, and you're at your local Panera Bread, sipping on a freshly brewed coffee and enjoying a warm, buttery croissant. Life feels perfect, right? But, what if I told you that while you're savoring your breakfast, your personal information could be at risk? That's right, folks – the beloved bakery-café chain recently experienced a massive data breach, affecting thousands of their employees.</p><br />
<br />
<h2>What Happened at Panera Bread?</h2><br />
<br />
<p>In March, Panera Bread fell victim to a ransomware attack, a type of cybercrime in which hackers demand a ransom to restore access to a company's data. Unfortunately, this attack didn't just impact the company's operations – it also exposed the sensitive personal information of their employees.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Now, you might be thinking, "But I'm not a Panera employee! Why should I care?" Well, this incident serves as a stark reminder that no one is immune to cyber threats – not even your favorite neighborhood bakery. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive a little deeper into the Panera data breach and learn how to protect ourselves from similar threats in the future.</p><br />
<br />
<h2>How Did the Attackers Get In?</h2><br />
<br />
<p>It's no secret that cyber attackers are getting more sophisticated by the day. In the case of Panera Bread, the hackers exploited a vulnerability in the company's network – a weakness that allowed them to access sensitive employee information. This isn't uncommon, though. In fact, <strong>60% of cyber attacks are caused by internal vulnerabilities</strong>, such as poor security practices or outdated software.</p><br />
<br />
<h2>What Can We Learn From Panera's Mistake?</h2><br />
<br />
<p>It's easy to point fingers and blame Panera for not having better cybersecurity measures in place. However, it's crucial for all of us to realize that this could happen to anyone – even you. So, instead of dwelling on Panera's misfortune, let's take this opportunity to learn from their mistakes and improve our own security habits.</p><br />
<br />
<ul><br /> <li><u>Update your software regularly</u>: Outdated software is a goldmine for hackers, so make sure you're always running the latest versions of your operating systems and applications.</li><br /> <li><u>Use strong, unique passwords</u>: A strong password is your first line of defense against cyber attacks. Make sure you're using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.</li><br /> <li><u>Be vigilant about phishing scams</u>: Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments in emails, especially if they're from unknown senders. Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cyber criminals to steal your personal information.</li><br /> <li><u>Invest in cybersecurity tools</u>: There are many affordable security tools available that can help protect your devices and data from cyber attacks. Don't skimp on your security – invest in tools like antivirus software and firewalls to keep your data safe.</li><br />
</ul><br />
<br />
<h2>It's Time to Take Action</h2><br />
<br />
<p>The Panera Bread data breach is a wake-up call for all of us. Cyber attacks are no longer just a concern for large corporations and government entities – they can happen to anyone, anywhere.</p><br />
<br />
<p>But there's good news: by taking a proactive approach to your cybersecurity, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to a similar attack. So, let's all learn from Panera's misfortune and take the necessary steps to safeguard our personal information.</p><br />
<br />
<p>If you're ready to take control of your cybersecurity, I'm here to help. <strong>Contact me today</strong> to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the ever-growing threat of cyber attacks. And, of course, don't forget to come back for more insights and advice on staying safe in our increasingly connected world.</p> 1

Imagine grabbing a sandwich at your favorite Panera Bread, only to find out that a cybercriminal has stolen your personal information from the company. That’s what happened to many of Panera Bread’s employees in a recent ransomware attack that took place in March.

With over 2,160 cafes operating under the names Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co, this food chain giant spans across 48 states in the U.S. and Ontario, Canada. The impact of this data breach is far-reaching, and the company is now notifying affected employees about the incident.

What Happened During the Security Breach?

In a breach notification letter filed with the Office of California’s Attorney General, Panera revealed that it detected a “security incident” and took measures to contain the breach. The company hired external cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and notified law enforcement.

On May 16, 2024, Panera discovered that a file containing employees’ names and Social Security numbers had been compromised [PDF]. The company also mentioned that other information provided by employees in connection with their employment could have been involved in the breach. However, there’s no indication that the accessed information has been made publicly available at this time.

Support for Affected Employees

To help employees affected by the data breach, Panera is offering a one-year membership to CyEx’s Identity Defense Total. This service includes credit monitoring, identity detection, and identity theft resolution. However, the company has not yet disclosed the number of impacted employees, the threat actor behind the attack, or the nature of the incident.

A Week-long Outage Caused by the Ransomware Attack

Although Panera has not confirmed this publicly, we learned in early April that many of the company’s virtual machine systems were encrypted in a ransomware attack. This caused a massive outage that affected Panera’s internal IT systems, phones, point of sales system, website, and mobile apps.

During this widespread system outage, employees couldn’t access their shift details and had to contact their managers for work schedules. Stores were also unable to process electronic payments, forcing them to accept cash only. Moreover, the reward program systems were down, preventing members from redeeming their points.

Who’s Behind the Attack?

It’s still unclear which ransomware operation was responsible for the March breach, as none have claimed responsibility. This could mean that the threat actors are either waiting for a ransom payment or have already received it. Panera has not responded to our multiple requests for comment regarding the outage and the ransomware attack.

Stay Informed and Protect Yourself

As cyber threats continue to grow, it’s essential to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and your personal information. We’re here to help you navigate the ever-changing world of cybersecurity. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, and keep coming back to learn more about how to stay safe in the digital age.

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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.

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2024

zendzipr

Avis Reveals Massive Data Breach: Customer Information Compromised in Car Rental Empire 14

Image removed

Image: Midjourney

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.

Published

5 days ago

September 2, 2024

zendzipr

Massive Data Breach Exposed: Business Powerhouse CBIZ Reveals Customer Information Compromised 15

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.

Published

1 week ago

August 30, 2024

zendzipr

DICK'S Sporting Goods Halts Email & Locks Employee Accounts Following Intense Cyberattack 16

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.