Personal Data of 1.3 Million Shoppers Exposed by Walmart Partner

Personal Data of 1.3 Million Shoppers Exposed by Walmart Partner

According to cybersecurity firm Kromtech, who found it stored in a publicly accessible Amazon S3 bucket.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Mar 20, 2018

The personal data of over 1.3 million people across the United States and Canada were publicly exposed online by Walmart's jewelry partner, according to cybersecurity firm Kromtech, who found it stored in a publicly accessible Amazon S3 bucket.

Researchers first assumed the Amazon web server belonged to Walmart, since the storage bucket was named, "walmartsql." However, they later uncovered the databased actually belonged to a Chicago-based firm called MBM Company Inc., which primarily operates under the name Limogés Jewelry.

According to Kromtech, the database was left exposed online since Jan. 13 2018, and included names, addresses, zip codes, phone numbers, email addresses, and plaintext passwords for 1,314,193 people.

It also contained numerous records for retailers other than Walmart. Over the years, Limogés Jewelry has done business with retailers such as Amazon, Overstock, Sears, Kmart and Target, among others.

Kromtech researchers also found internal MBM mailing lists, payment details, promo codes, item orders, as well as encrypted credit card details. The records exposed dated as far back as 2000 and extended to early 2018. Researchers believe this may have been MBM Company's main customer database.

“In more than one case, the sensitive data has been exposed by a partner or third party. Organizations need to not only take steps to secure sensitive data in their possession, but also as it’s handed off to these partners," Tim Erlin, VP, product management and strategy at cybersecurity firm Tripwire said. "Protecting customer data from this type of exposure doesn’t require amazing new security tools. Ensuring that systems are secure when deployed and monitoring them for changes is part of doing the basics right. Those security basics apply as much to the cloud as the data center.”  

Fortunately, shortly after the exposed data was found the publicly accessible database was "quietly" secured by Walmart. Kromtech found no evidence of ransom notes, but that doesn't mean no one accessed the data.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

  • The Stage is Set

    The security industry spans the entire globe, with manufacturers, developers and suppliers on every continent (well, almost—sorry, Antarctica). That means when regulations pop up in one area, they often have a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. Recent data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and CPRA in California made waves when they first went into effect, forcing businesses to change the way they approach data collection and storage to continue operating in those markets. Even highly specific regulations like the U.S.’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can have international reverberations – and this growing volume of legislation has continued to affect global supply chains in a variety of different ways. Read Now

  • Access Control Technology

    As we move swiftly toward the end of 2024, the security industry is looking at the trends in play, what might be on the horizon, and how they will impact business opportunities and projections. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3