Data Breach at Orange: 1.3 Million Customers Affected
In a significant cybersecurity incident, French telecommunications giant Orange has reported a second major data breach within a span of just three months. This latest attack has resulted in the theft of personal information belonging to 1.3 million customers from its online portal.
The breach, which occurred on April 18, involved the unauthorized acquisition of limited personal details from clients and potential customers. According to company statements, the stolen data includes first names, last names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, as well as the names of mobile and Internet service providers linked to those individuals.
Following the incident’s detection, Orange opted to delay informing customers until it could grasp the full scope and address vulnerabilities exploited by the attackers. This decision highlights the pressing balance between transparency and operational security in the aftermath of such breaches.
Cybercriminals have the potential to leverage the stolen data for phishing attacks, utilizing the names of victims to conduct targeted email or SMS campaigns. These attacks often seek sensitive information, including passwords, usernames, and credit card details, disguised under the pretext of legitimate requests from the company.
In its warning to affected individuals, Orange cautioned about the likelihood of phishing attempts that could arise from the stolen information. The tactics used in this breach align with several techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. These include initial access via compromised data, as well as potentially employing social engineering tactics to exploit the trust of individuals engaged by the attackers.
This incident follows another security breach disclosed by Orange in February, which exposed the personal details of over 800,000 users, encompassing emails, passwords, and other sensitive data. The rapid succession of these incidents raises concerns regarding the company’s cybersecurity posture and the efficacy of its defenses.
Orange has stated that it has identified the source of the attack and has filed an official complaint with law enforcement. As the investigations continue, business owners and consumers alike are urged to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts that may exploit this breach.
With businesses increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks, the situation with Orange serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and proactive monitoring to protect sensitive customer data. Understanding the tactics and techniques employed by adversaries will be vital for organizations looking to strengthen their defenses against similar threats in the future.