Yazılar

Aflac Investigates Potential Data Breach Following Cyberattack

/in /tarafından

Aflac, a health and life insurer, announced on Friday that it is investigating a cyberattack on its U.S. network that may have exposed customers’ personal data. The breach was detected on June 12 and is believed to have been conducted by the cybercrime group Scattered Spider, known for targeting multiple companies in the same industry through coordinated waves of attacks.

Scattered Spider, active since May 2022, is notorious for using identity-based tactics such as scamming help desks to reset credentials and bypass multi-factor authentication. This group has been linked to recent service disruptions at Philadelphia Insurance Companies and Erie Indemnity.

Aflac’s investigation is still in the early stages, and the insurer has not disclosed the number of affected customers or the timeline for completing the review. The company handles personal, medical, and financial data of over 50 million policyholders in the U.S. and Japan, including accident and pet insurance customers.

The attack potentially exposed sensitive information, including social security numbers and health details. Aflac reported that it stopped the intrusion within hours and has engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to assist with the investigation. Despite the breach, Aflac stated that it continues to operate normally while addressing the incident.

This attack follows a wave of cyber threats in the healthcare and insurance sectors, including a major breach last year of UnitedHealth’s Change unit by the hacking group ALPHV, also known as BlackCat.

India’s TCS Confirms No Systems Compromised in Marks & Spencer Cyberattack

/in /tarafından

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) stated that none of its systems or users were compromised in the recent cyberattack affecting British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S), a client of over ten years.

At its annual shareholder meeting, independent director Keki Mistry said, “As no TCS systems or users were compromised, none of our other customers are impacted.” He added that the ongoing investigation into the M&S breach does not involve TCS systems.

This marks the first public comment from India’s largest IT services firm on the cyberattack. M&S did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

TCS provides technology services to M&S and secured a $1 billion contract in early 2023 to modernize the retailer’s legacy technology, focusing on supply chain and omnichannel sales improvements.

The cyberattack, disclosed by M&S in April, is described as “highly sophisticated and targeted.” It is expected to cost M&S approximately £300 million ($403 million) in lost operating profit, with online service disruptions anticipated until July.

Last month, the Financial Times reported that TCS was internally investigating whether its systems were used as a gateway for the cyberattack.

Mistry chaired the shareholder meeting, while Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran was absent due to urgent matters related to a recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 241 of the 242 passengers onboard.

UBS and Pictet Report Data Leak Following Cyber Attack on Service Provider; Client Data Safe

/in /tarafından

Swiss banks UBS and Pictet disclosed on Wednesday that they were affected by a data leak caused by a cyber attack on their Swiss-based service provider, Chain IQ. Despite the breach, neither bank reported any compromise of client information.

According to Swiss newspaper Le Temps, tens of thousands of UBS employees’ data, including contact details and a direct internal line to UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti, were stolen. Chain IQ, headquartered in Baar, provides services to major firms including KPMG and Mizuho.

UBS confirmed that the incident involved stolen information related to the bank and other companies, emphasizing that no client data was affected. The bank said it responded quickly to mitigate operational impacts.

Chain IQ revealed that the cyber attack targeted it and 19 other companies, with some data published on the darknet. The firm stated that countermeasures were immediately implemented to contain the situation but declined to comment on ransom demands or communications with attackers due to ongoing investigations.

KPMG, listed as a Chain IQ client, said its infrastructure remained unaffected but enhanced its security protocols in response to the breach.

Pictet reported that only invoice-related information involving some of its suppliers, such as technology providers and consultants, was stolen. The private bank reassured that client data remained secure and stressed the importance of strict controls to prevent unauthorized access.

Swiss financial regulator Finma is overseeing the case according to standard procedures.

Cybersecurity expert Ilia Kolochenko of ImmuniWeb warned that breaches at third-party vendors pose a significant risk even to top financial institutions, potentially affecting the long-term trust in Swiss banking.