Hackers attack Epsilon database, phishing spree expected

Epsilon, a major Internet marketing concern, last week experienced a hack of its client’s customer database. The data security breach at Epsilon put millions of customer names and addresses in the possession of cybercriminals. Customers of Epsilon clients started receiving warnings to expect phishing scams in their inboxes.

In the Epsilon database: Better watch out

The Epsilon database hack could be the biggest in history of a hack while millions of names and emails were stolen. Each year, about 40 billion marketing emails are sent out for 2,500 companies by Epsilon. The business announced that it was hacked on Friday, meaning emails and other information given to websites may have been stolen.

At least a dozen businesses were impacted. Consumers at banks such as Capital One, Barclays Bank, U.S. Bancorp, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan Chase have to be on the lookout for phishing attacks. Also, when you have been working with Best Buy, TiVo, Walgreens, Kroger or HSN, then you should watch out. Student email addresses from SAT organization, College Board, might have been stolen also for about 5,900 universities and colleges.

How to spot a phishing con

Spam is more than likely the goal of all the emails and names stolen out of the Epsilon database. Account holders can be targeted with this "phishing" scam, which may be very effective. Fake accounts are put together for the phishing emails. Then, the customer is certain to log in so the information can be stolen. Once hackers have a person’s name and email address, they might also discover personal details on Facebook that can be used to make the email more convincing. Phishing scams often ask consumers to update charge card information or urgently warn that if a response isn’t received the account can be closed. Sometimes the phishing con will say the account is compromised. They will say information needs to be updated because of this.

A new record for stealing data

Although Epsilon said the database hack was limited to consumer names and emails, the company hasn’t yet made clear how many consumers or students have been exposed. Epsilon clients already mentioned weren't the only ones at risk. AstraZeneca, Kraft Foods, Hilton Hotels and Verizon Communications might also be at risk. The biggest attack recognized in United States history for identity theft is currently the Heartland Payment Systems hack, which the Epsilon database hack may have surpassed. A 20 year prison sentence was given to cyber-criminal Albert Gonzalez. He got into the Heartland Payment Systems and stole over 40 million card numbers to use for his own personal use.

Information from

Associated Press

finance.yahoo.com/news/Banks-creditcard-issuers-warn-apf-754015157.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode=

MSN Money

money.msn.com/identity-theft/news.aspx?feed=OBR&date=20110403&id=13261200

Computer world

computerworld.com/s/article/print/9215443/Update_Bank_customers_warned_after_breach_at_Epsilon_marketing_firm?taxonomyName=Security&taxonomyId=17

Microsoft

microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/phishing-symptoms.aspx