
Home Depot Data Breach - $179 Million in Losses [Case Study]
The 2014 Home Depot data breach was one of the largest and most costly cybersecurity incidents at the time, impacting …
The 2017 Equifax data breach is considered one of the most significant and devastating cybersecurity incidents in history.
As one of the major credit reporting agencies in the United States, Equifax held sensitive information on more than 800 million individuals and 88 million businesses worldwide.
The breach exposed the personal data of approximately 147 million people, including Social Security Numbers, birth dates, and addresses.
In this case study, we will explore how the Equifax data breach occurred, the company’s response, the costs associated with the breach, and lessons learned from this major cybersecurity failure.
The Equifax data breach was caused by exploiting a known vulnerability in the Apache Struts web application framework, which the company had not patched in a timely manner.
Once the attackers gained access to Equifax’s systems, they were able to navigate the network and locate sensitive data.
Over a period of more than two months, the cybercriminals exfiltrated massive amounts of personal information, undetected by the company’s security measures.
Equifax’s response to the breach was widely criticized for several reasons, including delays in public disclosure, inadequate customer support, and offering a poorly-executed credit monitoring service.
That said, the company took several steps to address the incident and mitigate its effects, such as:
Overall, the Equifax data breach demonstrates the extensive financial and reputational consequences that can result from a major cybersecurity incident.
The costs associated with the breach highlight the importance of proactive security measures and prompt incident response to protect customer data and maintain trust in a company’s brand.
The Equifax data breach serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, timely patch management, and effective incident response.
Companies must learn from Equifax’s experience and prioritize data protection to safeguard their customers' sensitive information and maintain trust in their brand.
The 2014 Home Depot data breach was one of the largest and most costly cybersecurity incidents at the time, impacting …
The 2013 Target data breach was one of the largest and most infamous data breaches in history. Over 40 million payment …