The Australian government is currently investigating claims made by a hacking group known as ShinyHunters, who have allegedly stolen the information of 560 million customers from the global events giant Ticketmaster. The stolen data reportedly includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and partial credit card details of the customers. The group has offered to sell the data for US$500,000 in a one-time sale. Both Australian authorities and the FBI are now involved in looking into this cyber attack.
ShinyHunters gained notoriety in 2020-21 for releasing large amounts of customer records from over 60 companies, according to the US Department of Justice. One of the members of ShinyHunters, Sebastien Raoult, a French computer hacker, was jailed in January after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The hacking activities of ShinyHunters have led to millions of dollars in losses for victim companies and untold losses for individuals whose data was sold to other criminal organizations.
Cybersecurity professor Katina Michael from the University of Wollongong has expressed concerns about the increasing impact of hacks on individuals. She warns that the number of hacked individuals could potentially reach up to one billion in the future if adequate measures are not taken. Michael believes that governments, companies, and consumers need to do more to protect themselves from such cyber attacks. Basic protection mechanisms like two-factor authentication are crucial in preventing such data breaches.
Ticketmaster, which is based in California, is facing scrutiny over its handling of customer data and cybersecurity measures. The company operates one of the largest online ticket sales platforms globally. The pricing practices of Ticketmaster, characterized by high fees and lack of alternatives, have been a contentious issue in the United States. Despite the historical concerns raised about the company’s practices, little has been done to open up the market to more competition.
The latest cyber attack on Ticketmaster highlights the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across industries. The rise of hacking groups like ShinyHunters underscores the evolving threats faced by companies and individuals in the digital age. It is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust protective measures to safeguard sensitive information from cybercriminals.
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