Customers' data leaked by hackers poses a dilemma for Toyota.

On a dark web forum, a threat actor released Toyota's customer data, which was contained in a 240GB file shared by the hacker and included contact and financial information, emails and more.

Toyota initially admitted to the data leak but later reversed its stance, stating that it was not a breach and the information was obtained from a third-party entity falsely presented as Toyota.

I provide a detailed discussion of the security incident and offer tips on how to safeguard yourself from hacker attacks.

What you need to know about the breach

According to Bleeping Computer, a hacker group known as ZeroSevenGroup announced on a dark web forum that they had stolen 240GB of data from Toyota. This data included information on employees, customers, contracts, and financial details. Additionally, the group claimed that they had gathered network infrastructure information and credentials using ADRecon, an open-source tool that pulls a significant amount of data from active directory systems.

The threat actor announced that they had hacked a branch of a major automotive manufacturer in the United States (TOYOTA) and were pleased to share the files with the public for free. The data size was 240 GB.

The hacker asserted that they had access to all of the following: contacts, financial data, customer information, schemes, employee details, photos, databases, network infrastructure, and emails, along with "a lot of perfect data."

The exact time of the breach is unclear, but Bleeping Computer discovered that the files were either stolen or created on Dec. 25, 2022. This coincides with a data breach at Toyota Financial Services (TFS) that occurred around the same time, prompting the company to notify customers of compromised data. There is no confirmation if the two incidents are related.

Toyota’s response

"Toyota has acknowledged the situation and stated that the issue is not a system-wide problem. The company is working with those affected and will offer assistance if necessary."

On the following day, a spokesperson from Toyota Motor North America stated that their systems were not breached or compromised, and that the data was stolen from a third-party entity that was mistakenly identified as Toyota.

Toyota Motor North America refused to disclose the name of the breached third party, stating that they were not authorized to reveal that information.

Scope and impact

The leaked data reportedly includes:

• Customer and employee personal information
• Financial records and contracts
• Network infrastructure details
• Emails and internal communications

The potential impact on individuals and the company could be substantial with 240GB of data exposed.

Timing and detection

The delay in detection or disclosure of the files created or stolen on Dec. 25, 2022, is concerning, as it may have given attackers ample opportunity to exploit the stolen information.

A pattern of security incidents

In recent years, Toyota has faced numerous security challenges, including this breach, which is not an isolated incident.

• A ransomware attack on Toyota Financial Services in 2023
• Over a decade, the exposure of customer car location data for 2.15 million users was caused by cloud misconfigurations.
• Additional cloud service misconfigurations leaking customer data for over seven years

The repeated problems in Toyota's cybersecurity system suggest possible flaws in their security protocols and procedures.

Industry implications

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the automotive industry, as this incident shows the importance of implementing strong security measures, especially with the growing connectivity and data-driven nature of vehicles.

4 ways to protect yourself in light of the Toyota security incident

Below are a few ways to protect yourself following the Toyota breach.

Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on any accounts linked to Toyota services, including email, financial accounts, and customer portals. This security measure requires a second piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password when logging in. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if your password has been compromised. By enabling 2FA, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and better safeguard your sensitive data in light of the Toyota breach.

Consider investing in personal data removal services that specialize in continuously monitoring and removing your personal information from various online databases and websites. These services can help protect your privacy and prevent hackers from stealing your IDs to validate the data. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

Keep track of your financial accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card activity, and Toyota Financial Services accounts for any suspicious transactions. If you detect anything unusual, promptly inform your bank or financial institution.

Be cautious of emails or messages that ask for personal information or direct you to click suspicious links after a data breach. Verify the sender's identity before engaging with such communications. Phishing attempts may increase in the aftermath of breaches like this.

To safeguard yourself from clicking on harmful links, make sure you have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This will also notify you of any phishing emails or ransomware attacks. Discover my top picks for the best antivirus protection in 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaway

The data breach at Toyota highlights the importance of data security for both companies and their customers. Regardless of whether the breach was caused by Toyota or a third party, the exposure of sensitive information puts individuals at risk. To stay safe, it is crucial to remain vigilant, use tools like two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor financial activity for any signs of suspicious behavior.

What are your thoughts on Toyota's reaction to the data breach? Do you believe they took sufficient measures to resolve the issue? Please share your feedback with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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