Copart, a Texas-based company which provides online vehicle auction and remarketing services, is urging its member to change their password for their Copart.com account after the company discovered that an authorized person gained access to its computer network.
“As part of our efforts to address the problem, the Copart is requiring all members to change the password for their Copart.com account,” Sean Eldridge, senior vice-president & chief operating officer at the Copart, wrote in a letter.
“If you have not already recently been required to reset your password, simply sign into your Copart account and go to the Change Password option under the My Account tab. Also, if you use the same username and password for any other account, we recommend that you change your password there as well,” he added.
On 31 March 2015, when the company identified that the unauthorized person accessed to its network, the company immediately worked to block any further unauthorized access.
A leading cyber-security firm has been hired for the investigation. It helps the company to help determine what had happened to the company’s system and to assists in implementing enhanced security measures.
“Based on the investigation, we determined that the unauthorized person may have accessed the member’s name, address, driver’s license number, telephone number, e-mail address, and the username and password for their Copart.com account,” said Eldridge.
In order to protect, the company has recommended its members to remain vigilant by reviewing their account statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
Similarly, the members can also get a copy of their credit report, free of charge, in every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
According to the letter, in order to order the free credit report, the members should visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll free at 1-877-322-8228.
Eldridge said that if any member believed that his/her personal information has been misused, he/she should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission and/or the attorney general’s office in respective Home State.
