The recent data breach at Ticketmaster has once again highlighted the critical importance of data security. With 560 million customers worldwide affected, including 2 million Australians, the breach has raised serious concerns about the measures companies are taking to protect personal information. In this blog, we’ll explore steps you can take to protect your data and what to do if your information has been compromised.

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Understanding the Breach

Hacker group ShinyHunters successfully infiltrated Ticketmaster's systems, obtaining 1.3 terabytes of personal data, including names, addresses, credit card numbers (last four digits and expiry dates), phone numbers, and payment details. The hackers are demanding $500,000 USD to prevent the release of this sensitive information. Although there is currently no indication that the data has been distributed, if you have a Ticketmaster account, it’s essential to remain vigilant, stolen data even if seemingly innocuous on the face of it, can be used in efforts to access data such as credit card info etc.

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What to Do If Your Data Has Been Stolen

1. Monitor and Secure Your Accounts

Immediately check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity. If you notice any unauthorised transactions, report them to your financial institution. Change the passwords for your online accounts, using strong and unique passwords for each. If possible, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.

2. Notify Relevant Institutions

Inform your bank, credit card company, and any affected service providers about the potential breach. They can take steps to protect your accounts and provide guidance on further actions to take.

3. Report the Cybercrime

If you are worried your data has been stolen, or your work systems breached, report the cybercrime at cyber.gov.au. This creates a record that may be used as evidence later and helps prevent other attacks by alerting authorities to the incident.

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Preventative Measures to Protect Your Data

1. Be Prepared Against Phishing Attacks

Be cautious with emails and phone calls that might be phishing attempts. Verify the source before responding to any unsolicited requests for personal or financial information.

2. Review and Update Security Measures

Regularly review your online services, closing any accounts that are no longer needed. Ensure your passwords are strong and unique and enable MFA wherever possible. Additionally, ensure that those you partner with can maintain security in line with best practices such as the Essential Eight Security Framework or another industry equivalent. To understand how security frameworks work, feel free to check out our webinar on what they are and why they are so vital here. Keep all your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches to protect against vulnerabilities.

3. Use Separate Payment Methods for Online Services

Consider using a separate debit card for online services instead of your primary credit card to limit potential financial damage in the event of a data breach.

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Conclusion

The Ticketmaster breach is another stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist regarding our personal data and the companies that hold it. By taking immediate action if your data has been compromised and implementing preventative measures, you can better protect your personal information. At The Virtual IT Department, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of data protection and cyber security. Contact us for more information on how to safeguard your personal and professional data.

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