Threat Actor ‘Sp1d3r’ Advertises Customers’ Data Pertaining to Advance Auto Parts

Introduction

A recent post on the English language cybercrime forum ‘BreachForums’ has caught the attention of threat researchers. The post, attributed to a threat actor known as ‘Sp1d3r’, claims to have stolen a significant amount of data from Advance Auto Parts, a major US-based automobile parts retail company. This article delves into the details of the breach and the potential implications for the company and its customers.

Table of contents

• Introduction
• The Breach
  • Data Stolen
• Motivation
• Implications
  • Data Protection
• Customer Impact
• Conclusion

The Breach

Data Stolen

The threat actor, ‘Sp1d3r’, claims to have stolen three terabytes of data from Advance Auto Parts, including:

• 380 million customer profiles, containing names, emails, mobile numbers, phone numbers, addresses, and more.
• 44 million Loyalty/Gas card numbers, along with customer details.
• Information on 358,000 employees, though the company currently employs around 68,000 people.
• Auto parts and part numbers.
• 140 million customer orders.
• Sales history.
• Employment candidate information, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and demographic details.
• Transaction tender details.
• Over 200 tables of various data.

Motivation

The motivation behind the breach is likely financial gain, as the threat actor is offering the stolen data for sale on the dark web for $1.5 million.

Implications

Data Protection

The breach highlights the importance of robust data protection measures, including regular backups, secure storage, and strict access controls. Advance Auto Parts should ensure that all customer and employee data is properly secured and that any vulnerabilities are promptly addressed.

Customer Impact

The breach may have significant implications for Advance Auto Parts customers, who may be at risk of identity theft or financial fraud. The company should provide clear guidance on the steps customers can take to protect themselves and ensure that any affected customers are notified promptly.

Conclusion

The breach by ‘Sp1d3r’ serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of cybercrime and the importance of robust data protection measures. Advance Auto Parts must take immediate action to secure its data and notify affected customers.