Data Breaches
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In late 2005, a significant data breach occurred at TJX Companies due to poorly secured wireless networks, leading to the compromise of approximately 100 million payment cards over 18 months. The breach was caused by a hacking group led by Albert Gonzalez. The incident highlighted severe flaws in network security and compliance.
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On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline experienced a ransomware attack due to a compromised VPN account lacking multi-factor authentication. The attackers, linked to the DarkSide group, stole 100 gigabytes of data, prompting a shutdown of fuel operations affecting the East Coast. Colonial paid $4.4 million in ransom, later recovering part of it.
Chronicles of Compromise 