Comcast Cable Communications LLC reports that it is a victim of a data breach compromising personal information of more than 237,000 individuals, including 22 residents of Maine. According to an investigation, the breach is traced back to Financial Business and Consumer Solutions, Inc., a third-party with which Comcast has associated in the past.
The data breach began on February 14, 2024, when an unauthorised third party gained access to FBCS's computer network. Access to this unauthorised party had led to a ransomware attack where cybercriminals downloaded and encrypted sensitive data. Initially, on March 13, 2024, FBCS had communicated to Comcast that customer information did not appear to have been compromised. However, months later, on July 17, 2024, it came to be known that sensitive customer data had indeed been affected.
New Comcast Hacking Findings
As soon as the breach was discovered, FBCS reached out to the FBI and hired some private cybersecurity firms to comprehend the full dimension of the breach. The investigation revealed names, addresses, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and Comcast account numbers accessed. The acquired information is of a very sensitive nature that encompasses substantial risk factors for identity theft and even financial frauds.
Still, FBCS has maintained that, to date, there is nothing known to be ill-gotten from the stolen data. Only the records starting 2021 are affected, as in 2020, FBCS terminated its contract with Comcast.
Support for Victims
Comcast began notifying the victims on 16 August 2024 and is providing them with free identity theft protection for 12 months. Comcast is partnering with CyEx Identity Defense Complete for credit monitoring and additional support services.
The notification stated that the breach had occurred only in FBCS systems and was unrelated to Comcast's networks themselves. To reach out to the affected customers, the company, Comcast, geared efforts towards helping them manage the fallout of the breach. It provided direct communication and access to a support service. Outside legal counsel for Comcast, Michael Borgia noted, "We are committed to helping our customers navigate the aftermath of this incident and ensuring they have the resources necessary to protect themselves."
Watching Your Back: Protection of Consumer Data End
The Comcast breach highlights the kinds of current risks facing consumers whose data is managed by third-party vendors. In response to this, Comcast is counselling its consumers to be on their guard. Protecting measures include: reviewing account statements for suspicious transactions, reviewing credit reports, and registering for the identity protection services Comcast is offering. Moreover, Comcast is suggesting the enabling of two-step verification for Xfinity accounts in order to increase security to its fullest potential.
This incident underlines the critical need to protect information while ensuring greater caution with regard to personal information in light of more prudent cyber attacks.
