Prosper Data Breach Exposes 17.6 Million: What You Need to Know
A massive data breach at the peer-to-peer lending marketplace Prosper has compromised the sensitive personal information of an estimated 17.6 million individuals. This significant security incident has exposed a vast amount of data, putting millions of current and former users at risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and targeted phishing attacks.
If you have ever created an account with Prosper, it is crucial to understand the scope of this breach and take immediate steps to protect yourself.
What Happened in the Prosper Security Incident?
The breach was not a direct attack on Prosper’s primary systems. Instead, the vulnerability originated with a third-party vendor that Prosper used for data management services. This vendor utilized the popular MOVEit file transfer software, which was exploited by cybercriminals in a widespread campaign affecting hundreds of organizations globally.
Attackers were able to exploit a flaw in the software to gain unauthorized access to files containing sensitive customer information. While the breach stemmed from a third-party vendor, the exposed data belongs to Prosper’s user base.
What Personal Information Was Exposed?
The data compromised in this breach is highly sensitive and provides criminals with the necessary tools to commit sophisticated fraud. According to reports, the stolen information includes a wide range of personally identifiable information (PII).
The exposed data includes:
- Full Names
- Email Addresses
- Physical Mailing Addresses
- Phone Numbers
- Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
- Financial Account Numbers
The inclusion of Social Security numbers and financial account details makes this breach particularly severe. This information can be used to open new lines of credit, file fraudulent tax returns, and attempt to access personal bank accounts.
4 Essential Steps to Protect Yourself Now
If your information was exposed, proactive defense is your best strategy. Do not wait to become a victim of fraud. Take the following steps immediately to secure your identity and finances.
1. Monitor Your Financial Accounts and Credit Reports
Scrutinize your bank statements, credit card transactions, and credit reports for any activity you don’t recognize. You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) annually. Check them carefully for new accounts or inquiries that you did not authorize.
2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
A fraud alert is a free notification that you can place on your credit file, which encourages lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening a new account. For stronger protection, consider a credit freeze. A credit freeze is the most effective way to prevent criminals from opening new accounts in your name, as it restricts access to your credit report.
3. Be on High Alert for Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals will use your stolen name, email, and phone number to create highly convincing phishing scams. Be extremely wary of unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls claiming to be from Prosper, your bank, or a government agency. Never click on suspicious links, download attachments, or provide personal information in response to these messages.
4. Secure Your Online Accounts with Strong Security Practices
While this breach was not caused by a weak password, it’s a critical reminder to use strong, unique passwords for every online account. Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Most importantly, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. 2FA provides a vital layer of security that can stop criminals from accessing your accounts even if they have your password.
This breach serves as a stark reminder that our personal data is constantly at risk. By taking swift, decisive action, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft and financial fraud.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/have-i-been-pwned-warns-of-prosper-data-breach-impacting-176-million-accounts/
