A recent data breach on Xfinity, a Comcast-owned company, has put the personal information of over 35 million customers at risk. This breach highlights the alarming trend of hackers targeting major corporations and the severe vulnerability that it creates for millions of Americans.
Attorney Steven Weisman, an expert in cybersecurity, explains that this breach is particularly concerning because the hackers gained access to the last four digits of people’s social security numbers. While the first five digits can be easily deduced based on where a person lives and where their card was issued, the last four digits provide crucial information for identity theft.
The hackers did not directly breach Xfinity’s systems but instead implanted their malware into software that Xfinity had purchased. These “supply chain” hacks, as they are known, are a growing problem that companies must address to safeguard customer data.
Xfinity has acknowledged the breach on its website and is urging affected customers to take immediate action. This includes monitoring their credit, changing passwords, and enrolling in a multi-step authentication process. Additionally, customers are advised to freeze their credit and regularly check their credit scores to detect any suspicious activity.
Freezing credit is a highly effective measure as it prevents fraudulent individuals from using stolen identities to make significant purchases. To learn more about how to freeze credit, individuals can visit the USA.gov website for detailed instructions.
The Xfinity data breach is a glaring reminder of the ever-present threat of cyberattacks and the importance of robust security measures. Consumers must remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their personal information from falling into the wrong hands.