Learn more about Live Nation’s Ticketmaster data breach that impacts millions of customers.
Last Thursday, I woke up to my 7 AM alarm as usual. My iPhone screen lit up as I reached for it, and my sleepy eyes immediately focused on an alert I’d never seen before concerning a list of my passwords exposed in recent data leaks. Among the long list was Ticketmaster.
And I’m not alone.
560 million Ticketmaster customers are in this with me!
The Department of Home Affairs recently confirmed that Ticketmaster was the target of a cyber incident, affecting the data of 560 million customers worldwide.
ShinyHunters, a notorious hacker group, claimed responsibility for the attack and is allegedly selling the confiscated data for $750,000.
Why is the data worth so much? Well, because it includes Ticketmaster customers’ fingerprint data.
What is Fingerprint Data and Why is it So Valuable?
Fingerprint data is personally identifiable information, such as phone numbers, names, addresses, credit card numbers, and other sensitive details. Threat actors on the dark web look for this type of personal information so they have the data points they need to open fictitious accounts in someone else’s name with someone else’s money. From purchasing a vehicle to opening a line of credit, fingerprint data is the key threat actors need to open the door to fraud.
And while fraud isn’t a new concept and large-scale data breaches like this are happening more frequently, it’s still easy to get frustrated. And I find myself asking, “No matter how many times I change my password, is my data ever really safe?”
Even though I still grapple with this question, I know a few best practices to help myself (and you!) feel safer when participating in regular activities, such as buying concert tickets.
3 Top Tips to Protect Your Private Information
- Knowledge is Power: Regularly review the security alerts you receive via your Apple and Android devices and monitor your credit reports for signs of fraud and irregular activity. Flag suspicious activity appropriately. You can also enable multi-factor authentication for increased account protection.
- Think Before You Click: Once your information is exposed in a data leak, the risk of identity fraud and phishing attacks is higher. Stay vigilant on all digital communication platforms, especially when clicking on links in emails and while surfing the web.
- Sharing is Caring: Help your elders and others around you who are less technologically savvy set up strong passwords.
And by the way, it is still important to regularly change your passwords, especially if you use the same one across multiple accounts. While your password might not be the source of compromise, if exposed, threat actors can use it to try to break into your other accounts that use the same password.
Stay safe out there!
About Schneider Downs Cybersecurity
The Schneider Downs cybersecurity practice consists of experts offering a comprehensive set of information technology security services, including penetration testing, intrusion prevention/detection review, ransomware security, vulnerability assessments and a robust digital forensics and incident response team. In addition, our Digital Forensics and Incident Response teams are available 24x7x365 at 1-800-993-8937 if you suspect or are experiencing a network incident of any kind.
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