1.3 Million Orange Customers’ Data Hacked

Thursday, 15 May 2014

1.3 Million Orange Customers’ Data Hacked

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It has come to light that hackers have stolen personal data of 1.3 million customers of network operator and ISP Orange. Apparently the hackers have accessed names, email addresses and telephone numbers. What is a concern is that Orange France has been aware of the attack since 18 April but they have chosen to delay announcing the issue in order to assess the damages.
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Only recently this year, Orange saw the personal data of 800,000 of their clients stolen in a similar hack. A representative form Orange has said, “For the people concerned, the data recovered includes their first names and surnames…In addition, depending on the information supplied, email addresses, mobile and fixed-line phone numbers, the identity of the person’s internet operator and their date of birth, were also recovered.”

Orange was unable to mention whether or not the data, which was stolen was encrypted. The company has warned customers, however, that the theft maybe used to contact the individuals concerned for phishing purposes, via email, phone or SMS.

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Orange has said, “All necessary actions have been implemented to correct the relevant technical dysfunctions and to prevent any new illegitimate access to this data.”

As some Orange France customers appear to be now more at risk from phishing attacks than others, guidance has been given through Get Safe Online. They have suggested users should check that websites are secure before entering any private information. Users should ensure that basic measures like ensuring the padlock symbol in the address bar is visible when entering an alleged secure website will save many individuals from becoming victims of a phishing scam or similar online fraud.

This kind of attack isn’t new. In September 2013, Vodafone Germany fell victim to a hack which stole the data of 2 million customers.

Customers in this instance have taken to social media to express their anger and frustration at the situation. People have made complaints on the company’s Facebook page and across Twitter.