What Happened?
On October 17, 2022, MyDeal, an Australian online marketplace, announced that it had suffered a data breach. The breach was caused by a threat actor who exploited a vulnerability in MyDeal's website. The threat actor was able to access the personal information of 2.2 million MyDeal customers, including their names, email addresses, phone numbers, delivery addresses, and in some cases, birth dates.
What Information Was Stolen?
The following information was stolen from MyDeal customers in the data breach:
Names
Email addresses
Phone numbers
Delivery addresses
Birth dates
What Can I Do If My Information Was Stolen?
If your information was stolen in the MyDeal data breach, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
Place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it more difficult for someone to open a new credit account in your name.
Monitor your credit report for any unauthorized activity. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at annualcreditreport.com.
Be careful about opening emails or clicking on links from people you don't know. Phishing emails are a common way for cybercriminals to steal personal information.
Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Don't use the same password for multiple accounts.
What Is MyDeal Doing to Respond to the Data Breach?
MyDeal is working with law enforcement to investigate the data breach. The company has also taken steps to secure its systems and prevent future breaches. These steps include:
Implementing new security measures
Educating employees about cybersecurity
Offering free credit monitoring to affected customers
What Can I Do to Protect Myself from Data Breaches?
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from data breaches:
Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Don't use the same password for multiple accounts.
Be careful about opening emails or clicking on links from people you don't know. Phishing emails are a common way for cybercriminals to steal personal information.
Use a firewall and antivirus software. These programs can help protect your computer from malware and other threats.
Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your computer from vulnerabilities.
How Can I Stay Informed About Data Breaches?
You can stay informed about data breaches by subscribing to security newsletters and following security blogs and websites. You can also sign up for government alerts about data breaches.
Conclusion
The MyDeal data breach is a reminder that no one is immune to cybercrime. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce your risk of being a victim of a data breach.