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Showing posts with label Customer Data. Show all posts

Ledger Customer Data Exposed After Global-e Payment Processor Cloud Incident

 

A fresh leak of customer details emerged, linked not to Ledger’s systems but to Global-e - an outside firm handling payments for Ledger.com. News broke when affected users received an alert email from Global-e. That message later appeared online, posted by ZachXBT, a known blockchain tracker using a fake name, via the platform X. 

Unexpectedly, a breach exposed some customer records belonging to Ledger, hosted within Global-e’s online storage system. Personal details, including names and email addresses made up the compromised data, one report confirmed. What remains unclear is the number of people impacted by this event. At no point has Global-e shared specifics about when the intrusion took place.  

Unexpected behavior triggered alerts at Global-e, prompting immediate steps to secure systems while probes began. Investigation followed swiftly after safeguards were applied, verifying unauthorized entry had occurred. Outside experts joined later to examine how the breach unfolded and assess potential data exposure. Findings showed certain personal details - names among them - were viewed without permission. Contact records also appeared in the set of compromised material. What emerged from analysis pointed clearly to limited but sensitive information being reached. 

Following an event involving customer data, Ledger confirmed details in a statement provided to CoinDesk. The issue originated not in Ledger's infrastructure but inside Global-e’s operational environment. Because Global-e functions as the Merchant of Record for certain transactions, it holds responsibility for managing related personal data. That role explains why Global-e sent alerts directly to impacted individuals. Information exposed includes records tied to purchases made on Ledger.com when buyers used Global-e’s payment handling system. 

While limited to specific order-related fields, access was unauthorized and stemmed from weaknesses at Global-e. Though separate entities, their integration during checkout links them in how transactional information flows. Customers involved completed orders between defined dates under these service conditions. Security updates followed after discovery, coordinated across both organizations. Notification timing depended on forensic review completion by third-party experts. Each step aimed at clarity without premature disclosure before full analysis. 

Still, the firm pointed out its own infrastructure - platform, hardware, software - was untouched by the incident. Security around those systems remains intact, according to their statement. What's more, since users keep control of their wallets directly, third parties like Global-e cannot reach seed phrases or asset details. Access to such private keys never existed for external entities. Payment records, meanwhile, stayed outside the scope of what appeared in the leak. 

Few details emerged at first, yet Ledger confirmed working alongside Global-e to deliver clear information to those involved. That setup used by several retailers turned out to be vulnerable, pointing beyond a single company. Updates began flowing after detection, though the impact spread wider than expected across shared infrastructure. 

Coming to light now, this revelation follows earlier security problems connected to Ledger. Back in 2020, a flaw at Shopify - the online store platform they used - led to a leak affecting 270,000 customers’ details. Then, in 2023, another event hit, causing financial damage close to half a million dollars and touching multiple DeFi platforms. Though different in both scale and source, the newest issue highlights how reliance on outside vendors can still pose serious threats when handling purchases and private user information.  

Still, Ledger’s online platforms showed no signs of a live breach on their end, yet warnings about vigilance persist. Though nothing points to internal failures, alerts remind customers to stay alert regardless. Even now, with silence across official posts, guidance leans toward caution just the same.

California Privacy Regulator Fines Datamasters for Selling Sensitive Consumer Data Without Registration

 

The California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) has taken enforcement action against Datamasters, a marketing firm operated by Rickenbacher Data LLC, for unlawfully selling sensitive personal and health-related data without registering as a data broker. The Texas-based company was found to have bought and resold information belonging to millions of individuals, including Californians, in violation of the California Delete Act. 

Under the Delete Act, companies engaged in buying or selling consumer data are required to register annually as data brokers by January 31. Beginning in 2026, the law will also enable consumers to use a centralized online tool known as the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP), which allows individuals to request the deletion of their personal information from all registered data brokers at once. 

CalPrivacy imposed a $45,000 fine on Datamasters for failing to register within the required timeframe. Due to the seriousness and continued nature of the violations, the agency also prohibited the company from selling personal information related to Californians. According to the regulator’s final order, Datamasters continued operating as an unregistered data broker despite repeated efforts by the agency to bring it into compliance. 

The investigation found that Datamasters purchased and resold data linked to people with specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, drug addiction, and bladder incontinence, primarily for targeted advertising purposes. In addition to health data, the company traded consumer lists categorized by age and perceived race, marketing products such as “Senior Lists” and “Hispanic Lists.” The datasets also included information tied to political views, grocery shopping behavior, banking activity, and health-related purchases.  

The scope of the data involved was extensive, reportedly consisting of hundreds of millions of records containing names, email addresses, physical addresses, and phone numbers. CalPrivacy identified the nature and scale of the data processing as a significant risk to consumer privacy, particularly given the sensitive characteristics associated with many of the records. 

An aggravating factor in the case was Datamasters’ response to regulatory scrutiny. The company initially claimed it did not conduct business in California or handle data belonging to Californians. When confronted with evidence to the contrary, it later acknowledged processing such data and asserted that it manually screened datasets, a claim regulators found unconvincing. The agency noted that Datamasters resisted compliance efforts while continuing its data brokerage activities. 

As part of the enforcement order, signed on December 12, Datamasters was instructed to delete all previously acquired personal information related to Californians by the end of December. The company must also delete any California-related data it may receive in the future within 24 hours. Additionally, Datamasters is required to maintain compliance safeguards for five years and submit a report detailing its privacy practices after one year. 

In a separate action, CalPrivacy fined S&P Global Inc. $62,600 for failing to register as a data broker for 2024 by the January 31, 2025 deadline. The agency noted that the lapse, which lasted 313 days, was due to an administrative error and that the company acted promptly to correct the issue once identified.

DoorDash Data Breach Exposes Customer Information in October 2025 Incident

 

DoorDash has informed its customers that the company experienced a security incident in late October, marking yet another breach for the food delivery platform. According to details first reported by BleepingComputer, DoorDash has begun emailing users to disclose that on October 25, 2025, an unauthorized individual infiltrated parts of its internal systems and accessed selected customer contact information. The type of data exposed varied from person to person but involved key personal details. In its notification email, the company confirmed that names, physical addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses were among the information viewed by the intruder. While financial data does not appear to have been compromised, the collection of exposed fields still carries significant risk because such details can easily be reused in phishing, impersonation, and other forms of social engineering attacks. 

DoorDash stated that the root cause of the breach was a social engineering scam targeting an employee, which ultimately allowed the attacker to obtain credentials and slip past internal safeguards. As soon as the company recognized unusual activity, its security team revoked the unauthorized access, launched a broader investigation, and contacted law enforcement to support further review. However, the company did not specify how many individuals may have been affected. What is clear is that the impacted group includes customers, delivery drivers (known as Dashers), and merchants. Considering DoorDash reported roughly 7 million contractors in 2023, nearly 600,000 partner merchants in 2024, and more than 42 million active users, the number of people touched by the incident could be extensive. 

This latest breach adds to a concerning pattern for the company, which was previously affected by two significant incidents in 2019 and 2022. The 2019 attack exposed information belonging to approximately 5 million customers, Dashers, and merchants, while the 2022 event stemmed from the same campaign that targeted communications provider Twilio. These recurring issues highlight how attractive large consumer platforms remain to cybercriminals. 

For users, the most important step after any data exposure is to immediately update account passwords and ensure they are strong, unique, and not reused across services. A password manager can simplify this process and reduce risk over time. Enabling multi-factor authentication on DoorDash and other critical accounts adds an extra security barrier that often stops attackers even if credentials are stolen. Because personal details were accessed, users should stay alert for phishing messages that may imitate DoorDash or reference suspicious orders. These tactics are common after breaches and can easily lure people into clicking harmful links or providing additional sensitive information. 

Customers may also benefit from using reputable identity theft protection services that monitor financial activity and personal data for signs of misuse. While no single step can eliminate the consequences of a breach, proactive monitoring and cautious digital habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of further harm.

Toys “R” Us Canada Data Breach Exposes Customer Information, Raising Phishing and Identity Theft Concerns

 

Toys “R” Us Canada has confirmed a data breach that exposed sensitive customer information, including names, postal addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Although the company assured that no passwords or payment details were compromised, cybersecurity experts warn that the exposed data could still be exploited for phishing and identity theft schemes. 

The company discovered the breach after hackers leaked stolen information on the dark web, prompting an immediate investigation. Toys “R” Us engaged a third-party cybersecurity firm to conduct forensic analysis and confirm the scope of the incident. Early findings revealed that a “subset of customer records” had been stolen. The retailer began notifying affected customers through official communications, with letters quickly circulating on social media after being shared by recipients.  

According to the company’s statement, the breach did not involve financial information or account credentials, but the exposure of valid contact details still presents significant risk. Cybercriminals often use such data to create convincing phishing emails or impersonate legitimate companies to deceive victims into revealing sensitive information. 

Toys “R” Us stated that its IT systems were already protected by strong security protocols but have since been reinforced with additional defensive measures. The company has not disclosed how the attackers infiltrated its network or how many individuals were impacted. It also confirmed that, to date, there is no evidence suggesting the stolen data has been misused. 

In the aftermath of the incident, Toys “R” Us reported the breach to relevant authorities and advised customers to remain vigilant against phishing attempts. The company urged users not to share personal information with unverified senders, avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, and closely monitor any unusual communications that appear to come from the retailer.  

While no hacking group has claimed responsibility for the breach, cybersecurity analysts emphasize that exposed names, emails, and phone numbers can easily be weaponized in future scams. The incident underscores how even non-financial data can lead to significant cybersecurity risks when mishandled or leaked. 

Despite the company’s reassurances and strengthened defenses, the breach highlights the ongoing threat businesses face from cyberattacks that target customer trust and data privacy.

Tata Motors Fixes Security Flaws That Exposed Sensitive Customer and Dealer Data

 

Indian automotive giant Tata Motors has addressed a series of major security vulnerabilities that exposed confidential internal data, including customer details, dealer information, and company reports. The flaws were discovered in the company’s E-Dukaan portal, an online platform used for purchasing spare parts for Tata commercial vehicles. 

According to security researcher Eaton Zveare, the exposed data included private customer information, confidential documents, and access credentials to Tata Motors’ cloud systems hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Headquartered in Mumbai, Tata Motors is a key global player in the automobile industry, manufacturing passenger, commercial, and defense vehicles across 125 countries. 

Zveare revealed to TechCrunch that the E-Dukaan website’s source code contained AWS private keys that granted access to internal databases and cloud storage. These vulnerabilities exposed hundreds of thousands of invoices with sensitive customer data, including names, mailing addresses, and Permanent Account Numbers (PANs). Zveare said he avoided downloading large amounts of data “to prevent triggering alarms or causing additional costs for Tata Motors.” 

The researcher also uncovered MySQL database backups, Apache Parquet files containing private communications, and administrative credentials that allowed access to over 70 terabytes of data from Tata Motors’ FleetEdge fleet-tracking software. Further investigation revealed backdoor admin access to a Tableau analytics account that stored data on more than 8,000 users, including internal financial and performance reports, dealer scorecards, and dashboard metrics. 

Zveare added that the exposed credentials provided full administrative control, allowing anyone with access to modify or download the company’s internal data. Additionally, the vulnerabilities included API keys connected to Tata Motors’ fleet management system, Azuga, which operates the company’s test drive website. Zveare responsibly reported the flaws to Tata Motors through India’s national cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, in August 2023. 

The company acknowledged the findings in October 2023 and stated that it was addressing the AWS-related security loopholes. However, Tata Motors did not specify when all issues were fully resolved. In response to TechCrunch’s inquiry, Tata Motors confirmed that all reported vulnerabilities were fixed in 2023. 

However, the company declined to say whether it notified customers whose personal data was exposed. “We can confirm that the reported flaws and vulnerabilities were thoroughly reviewed following their identification in 2023 and were promptly and fully addressed,” said Tata Motors communications head, Sudeep Bhalla. “Our infrastructure is regularly audited by leading cybersecurity firms, and we maintain comprehensive access logs to monitor unauthorized activity. We also actively collaborate with industry experts and security researchers to strengthen our security posture.” 

The incident reveals the persistent risks of misconfigured cloud systems and exposed credentials in large enterprises. While Tata Motors acted swiftly after the report, cybersecurity experts emphasize that regular audits, strict access controls, and robust encryption are essential to prevent future breaches. 

As more automotive companies integrate digital platforms and connected systems into their operations, securing sensitive customer and dealer data remains a top priority.

Qantas Data Leak Highlights Rising Airline Cyberattacks and Identity Theft Risks

 

Airlines continue to attract the attention of cybercriminals due to the vast amounts of personal data they collect, with passports and government IDs among the most valuable targets. According to privacy firm Incogni, the exposure of such documents poses a “severe, long-term identity theft risk” since they are difficult to replace and can be exploited for years in fraud schemes involving fake identities, counterfeit documents, and impersonation scams. 

The recent Qantas Airways data breach, claimed by the Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters group, underscores the sector’s growing vulnerability. The stolen data included names, email addresses, Frequent Flyer details, and limited personal information such as phone numbers and birth dates. Fortunately, Qantas confirmed that no passport details, financial information, or credit card data were compromised. 

However, experts warn that even limited leaks can have serious consequences. “Attackers often combine personal identifiers like names and loyalty program details from multiple breaches to build complete identity profiles,” said Darius Belejevas, Head of Incogni. Such composite records can enable large-scale fraud even without financial data exposure. 

The Qantas incident also highlights the danger of third-party compromises. The breach reportedly stemmed from Salesforce social engineering and vendor vulnerabilities, illustrating how a single compromised supplier can have ripple effects across industries. Belejevas emphasized that “one compromised partner can expose millions of records in a single incident.” 

Data breaches in the airline industry are escalating rapidly. According to Cyble’s threat intelligence database, more than 20 airline-related breaches have been reported on the dark web in 2025 — a 50% increase from 2024. Much of this surge is attributed to coordinated attacks by Scattered Spider and the broader Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters alliance, although other groups have also begun targeting the aviation sector. 

In a separate incident, the CL0P ransomware group claimed to have breached Envoy Air, a regional carrier of American Airlines. Envoy confirmed the intrusion but stated that no customer data was affected, only limited business information. In contrast, WestJet, which suffered a breach in June 2025, had passports and government-issued IDs exposed, prompting it to offer two years of free identity monitoring to affected customers. Incogni, however, warned that identity theft risks from such documents can persist well beyond two years. 

Experts urge travelers to take preventive security measures. Incogni recommends enrolling in identity theft monitoring, reporting phishing attempts to national anti-fraud agencies, using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, and removing personal data from data broker sites. 

“Individuals and organizations must do more to safeguard sensitive data,” said Ron Zayas, CEO of Incogni. “In today’s world, data isn’t just being stolen by hackers — it’s also being misused by legitimate entities to manipulate outcomes.”

Salesforce Refuses to Pay Extortion Demand After Alleged Theft of Nearly One Billion Records




Salesforce has confirmed it will not pay a ransom to an extortion group that claims to have stolen close to one billion records belonging to several of its customers. The company stated that it will not enter negotiations or make payments to any threat actor, reaffirming its policy of non-engagement with cybercriminals.


Extortion Group Claims to Have Breached Dozens of Salesforce Customers

The group behind the alleged theft calls itself “Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters”, a name that appears to blend identities from three notorious cyber-extortion collectives: Scattered Spider, LAPSUS$, and ShinyHunters. Cybersecurity firm Mandiant, owned by Google, has been tracking this activity under the identifier UNC6040, though analysts say the group’s exact origins and membership remain unconfirmed.

According to Mandiant’s June report, the campaign began in May, when attackers used voice-based social engineering, or “vishing,” to trick employees at several organizations using Salesforce’s platform. Pretending to represent technical support teams, the callers persuaded employees to connect an attacker-controlled application to their company’s Salesforce environment. Once integrated, the app provided unauthorized access to stored customer data.

Security researchers described the tactic as simple but highly effective, since it relies on human trust rather than exploiting software vulnerabilities. Several organizations unknowingly granted the attackers access, enabling them to exfiltrate vast amounts of data.

Earlier this month, the extortionists created a leak site listing approximately 40 affected Salesforce customers, including large global firms. The site claimed that 989.45 million records had been compromised and demanded that Salesforce begin ransom negotiations “or all your customers’ data will be leaked.” The attackers added that if Salesforce agreed to pay, other victim companies would not be required to do so individually.

Salesforce, however, made its position clear. In a statement to media outlets, a company spokesperson said, “Salesforce will not engage, negotiate with, or pay any extortion demand.” The company also informed customers via email that it had received credible intelligence about plans by ShinyHunters to release the stolen data publicly, but it would still not yield to any ransom demand.


Broader Concerns Over Ransomware Economics

The incident adds to a growing global debate over ransom payments. Analysts say extortion and ransomware attacks persist largely because organizations continue to pay. According to Deepstrike Security, global ransom payments in 2024 reached $813 million, a decline from $1.1 billion in 2023 but still a major incentive for criminal groups.

Experts such as independent security researcher Kevin Beaumont have repeatedly criticized the practice of paying ransoms, arguing that it directly funds organized crime and perpetuates the cycle of attacks. Beaumont noted that while law enforcement agencies like the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) publicly discourage payments, some companies still proceed with negotiations, sometimes even with NCA representatives present.


Risks and Lessons for Organizations

Data stolen from cloud-based platforms like Salesforce may include customer identifiers, contact details, transaction histories, and other business records. Even without financial information, such data can be weaponized in phishing, identity theft, or fraud campaigns.

Security professionals advise all organizations using cloud platforms to implement multi-factor authentication, enforce least-privilege access controls, and review all third-party applications connected to their systems. Employees should be trained to verify unexpected support calls or administrative requests through official channels before granting access.

The Salesforce case underscores the growing sophistication of social engineering attacks targeting major enterprise platforms. As digital ecosystems expand, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting human error rather than software flaws. Salesforce’s refusal to pay marks a firm stance in an era when ransom-driven extortion continues to dominate the threat landscape, sending a strong message to both the cybersecurity community and the attackers themselves.



WestJet Confirms Cyberattack Exposed Passenger Data but No Financial Details

 

WestJet has confirmed that a cyberattack in June compromised certain passenger information, though the airline maintains that the breach did not involve sensitive financial or password data. The incident, which took place on June 13, was attributed to a “sophisticated, criminal third party,” according to a notice issued by the airline to U.S. residents earlier this week. 

WestJet stated that its internal precautionary measures successfully prevented the attackers from gaining access to credit and debit card details, including card numbers, expiry dates, and CVV codes. The airline further confirmed that no user passwords were stolen. However, the company acknowledged that some passengers’ personal information had been exposed. The compromised data included names, contact details, information and documents related to reservations and travel, and details regarding the passengers’ relationship with WestJet. 

“Containment is complete, and additional system and data security measures have been implemented,” WestJet said in an official release. The airline emphasized that analysis of the incident is still ongoing and that it continues to strengthen its cybersecurity framework to safeguard customer data. 

As part of its response plan, WestJet is contacting affected customers to offer support and guidance. The airline has partnered with Cyberscout, a company specializing in identity theft protection and fraud assistance, to help impacted individuals with remediation services. WestJet has also published advisory information on its website to assist passengers who may be concerned about their data.  

In its statement, the airline reassured customers that swift containment measures limited the breach’s impact. “Our cybersecurity teams acted immediately to contain the situation and secure our systems. We take our responsibility to protect customer information very seriously,” the company said. 

WestJet confirmed that it is working closely with law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. The airline also notified U.S. credit reporting agencies—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax—along with the attorneys general of several U.S. states, Transport Canada, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and relevant provincial and international data protection authorities. 

While WestJet maintains that the exposed information does not appear to include sensitive financial or authentication details, cybersecurity experts note that personal identifiers such as names and contact data can still pose privacy and fraud risks if misused. The airline’s transparency and engagement with regulatory agencies reflect an effort to mitigate potential harm and restore public trust. 

The company reiterated that it remains committed to improving its security posture through enhanced monitoring, employee training, and the implementation of additional cybersecurity controls. The investigation into the breach continues, and WestJet has promised to provide further updates as new information becomes available. 

The incident highlights the ongoing threat of cyberattacks against the aviation industry, where companies hold large volumes of personal and travel-related data. Despite the rise in security investments, even well-established airlines remain attractive targets for sophisticated cybercriminals. WestJet’s quick response and cooperation with authorities underscore the importance of rapid containment and transparency in handling such data breaches.