Back in September, we heard that more than 56 million credit card details were compromised in the Home Depot hack. Now, it appears that even more personal information was stolen during the breach, making it one of the most significant data breaches in recent history.
Home Depot has announced that the hackers stole more than just credit card information; they also managed to get their hands on more than 53 million email addresses. This revelation adds another layer of concern for affected customers, as email addresses can be used for various malicious activities, including phishing scams.
Details of the Breach
In addition to the previously disclosed payment card data, separate files containing approximately 53 million email addresses were also taken during the breach. These files did not contain passwords, payment card information, or other sensitive personal information. The company is notifying affected customers in the U.S. and Canada. Customers should be on guard against phishing scams, which are designed to trick customers into providing personal information in response to phony emails.
The breach was discovered in September, but it is believed that the hackers had been infiltrating Home Depot’s systems since April of that year. The company has since taken steps to enhance its security measures, including rolling out chip-enabled card readers at all of its U.S. stores to provide better protection for customer transactions.
Impact and Response
The impact of the breach is far-reaching. With 53 million email addresses compromised, the potential for phishing attacks has increased significantly. Phishing scams often involve sending emails that appear to be from legitimate companies, tricking recipients into providing personal information such as passwords or social security numbers. Home Depot has urged its customers to be vigilant and cautious when opening emails, especially those that request personal information.
In response to the breach, Home Depot has offered free identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to affected customers. The company has also worked with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach and prevent future incidents.
The Home Depot hack serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity. Companies must invest in robust security measures to protect customer data, and consumers should be aware of the risks and take steps to safeguard their personal information.
You can find out more information about the hack over at Home Depot at the link below.
Source, The Next Web
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