What’s In Your Wallet, May Now Be In Someone Else’s
One of the largest credit institutions, Capital One, identified a security vulnerability within their network on July 19. It was this vulnerability that exposed over 106 million Capital One consumers. Although the investigations are not over, certain details have been confirmed.
The security breach occurred between March and July 2019 and impacted approximately 100 million U.S. and 6 million Canadian customers, with the information exposed including Social Security numbers, credit balances, and credit scores. To date, it is not believed the data leaked has been used maliciously. However, the company is offering free credit reporting services to all who have been impacted.
The alleged perpetrator was traced back to Seattle. The individual, who goes by Paige A. Thompson, has since been arrested and is facing computer fraud and abuse charges. If found guilty, Thompson could face up to five years in prison with fines up to $250,000.
Capital One chairman and CEO, Richard D. Fairbank issued the following statement to CBS News,
“While I am grateful that the perpetrator has been caught, I am deeply sorry for what has happened. I sincerely apologize for the understandable worry this incident must be causing those affected and I am committed to making it right.”
