TLDR:
Hackers gained access to the credit card details of approximately 1.7 million people in the USA and Canada through a Florida-based payment processor company called Slim CD. The attack was believed to be a result of social engineering, malware, or a phishing attack. The breach only affects credit card holders whose payments were processed by Slim CD, and the company has patched the loophole and started notifying affected users. Slim CD advises affected customers to notify their bank or credit card provider, request card replacements, and remain vigilant for any suspicious activities.
Credit Card Data Breach: USA and Canada
In a major data breach, hackers have gained access to the credit card details of approximately 1.7 million people, predominantly located in Canada and the USA, through the Florida-based payment processor company Slim CD. The cybercriminals had been lurking in the company’s network for over nine months before finally stealing personal information, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, full names, and physical addresses, during a two-day period this summer.
The attack vector is currently unknown, and it remains unclear how the bad actors managed to infiltrate Slim CD’s systems. Many believe the breach may have been a result of social engineering, malware, or a phishing attack. Slim CD patched the loophole upon discovery and has started notifying affected users. Fortunately, the stolen credit card information does not include card verification numbers, which may mitigate potential damages caused by cybercriminals.
Affected individuals are strongly advised to notify their bank or credit card provider, request card replacements, and remain vigilant for any suspicious activities on their banking and credit reports. It is crucial for users to equip themselves with antivirus software to prevent potential follow-up hacking attempts and protect against data breaches.