Home Depot cyber breach largest in history

Following reports of the data leak that hit US retailer Home Depot, it has now been revealed that the email addresses of 53 million of the firm’s customers have been compromised, making it the biggest cyber breach to date.

Analysts say that the hack is an even worse  case than that experienced by retail giant Target.

New sources said that hackers employed a specialist malware strain unrecognised by the firm’s security monitors. The hackers accessed a particular vulnerability contained within the network, enabling them to infect self-checkout systems with the malware in branches throughout the US.

The co-founder and president from cloud control firm HyTrust, Eric Chiu, told SCMagazineUK.com:

“Home Depot’s recent disclosure that a stolen vendor password was used to gain access into Home Depot’s systems to steal 56 million credit cards and 53 million email addresses is yet another example that the biggest breaches are happening from the inside.”

Home Depot asserts that no sensitive personal information, such as passwords, have been compromised, but still warned customers to be vigilant to potential phishing scams. It also said that customers with affected cards will be provided with credit monitoring.

Representatives from the firm said that they are still investigating the incident.

Cyber security is a growing concern, with hackers seemingly able to break into the systems of some of the world’s largest firms. However, the fact is that businesses at all levels need to be vigilant, with just one single breach capable of causing havoc. By opening and filling information security vacancies, they would be at least doing what they can at their end to prevent any such disaster.