On Wednesday, the LCBO announced they uncovered yet another data breach that occurred on August 9th, 2023. This time, the breach targeted the data of LCBO customers subscribed to a promotional email campaign. The email campaign, which was hosted through a third party service provider called Conversion Digital, provided hackers with access to customer names and emails, however some inside sources are suggesting the LCBO suspects hackers may have also gained access to even more confidential information like birth dates, postal codes, and aeroplan numbers. Needless to say, the LCBO has suspended its email campaign as the independent investigation is ongoing.
The latest LCBO breach comes just months after the LCBO initially uncovered ‘malicious’ malware installed in their network back in January 2023. During the attack in January, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario informed Ontarians that hackers likely accessed LCBO customer’s information directly from the website or mobile application.
Aside from the obvious point not to sign up for LCBO’s promotional email campaigns, these breaches right in Ontario’s backyard highlighted how even the largest organizations can lack cybersecurity oversight, and consistent and efficient data protection protocols. In any case, Ontarians should exercise caution when navigating unsolicited emails containing suspicious links or chains.
Take control of your data security today! Update your email preferences and unsubscribe from unnecessary promotional emails to minimize your exposure to malware. Fortify your email account security by using unique passwords and always enable two-factor authentication when prompted. Remember, cyber attacks can happen to anyone but by staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can mitigate your risks. Your online safety starts with you – call BSD IT Services now to secure your digital environment!