Computer and smartphone maker Acer’s database was severely compromised early this week. The database leaked massive amounts of information, including credit card numbers. That info is in the hands of hackers and cyber criminals.
The breaches lasted for almost a year: between May 2015 and April 2016. Acer is notifying customers about this breach. Acer doesn’t say how many customers were compromised. It could be in the millions. Data lost include credit card numbers, names, and addresses. Acer VP?Mark Groveunder assures the breach is being addressed and rectified. Cybersecurity from all over are helping in this crisis. Credit card processors and law enforcement have been alerted. There are things consumers can do. They can check their bank statements. They can check their recent credit card transactions. If they find any fraudulent activity, they should contact police. Customers can contact the State’s Attorney’s Office and the US Federal Trade Commission. These organizations can catch the hackers. They can also teach ways to prevent cyber fraud. The news gets worse for American consumers. Europe, Middle East and African countries were not hit by this breach. Their security system prevented the breaches. That’s right. American Acer customers got the worst of it.
Acer wants to make ID theft prevention a top priority. They assure nobody’s social security numbers or passwords were comprimised. But the damage had been done. People’s credit/debit card information is at risk. But you know what’s really telling? Other nations were protected, and we weren’t. How many major security breaches have we had over the last several years? TJ Max, Target, and health care providers immediately come to mind. Our government, on all levels, need to do a better job keeping our cyber information safe. Didn’t you know ID theft is the fastest growing crime in America today? Did you know millions will be hit by it every year? They can improve their surveillance program. Why can’t they improve our cyber protection?