Houston Astros Security Breach Revealed Inside Trade Data

Houston Astros Security Breach Revealed Inside Trade Data

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Jul 01, 2014

There’s nothing like a baseball game to quench the long, hot days of summer…sippin’ on an ice cold drink, eating a ballpark hotdog and the sound of the bat cracking as it strikes the ball. But, as the game of baseball heats up, so do the activities of hackers.Houston Astros Security Breach Revealed Inside Trade Data

The Houston Astros reacted promptly and sternly after confidential information containing internal correspondence between team officials regarding trade talks with other clubs was released into cyber space. The club learned of this security breach about a month ago, when information was released through a website that allows users to anonymously share hacked information. Deadspin.com, another website, picked up the information and “helped” to make it even more known.

For the past four years, the Astros have been extremely busy at the Trade Deadline, so they have obviously been involved in major discussions with other clubs, sharing information that is very intriguing to hackers. In this case, hackers stole detailed information of internal trade discussions concerning several players, including Jose Veras and Bud Norris, directly from “Ground Control,” the Astros’ internal database.

Jeff Luhnow, the Astros’ general manager, has contacted the other teams and players that were mentioned in the hacked data and overall, they have been understanding and supportive. Just as baseball is a team sport that takes multiple players to achieve greatness, so too, is the war on cybercrime.

Working with MLB security and the FBI, the Astros intend to prosecute all involved with this data hack, but in the meantime, they have taken measures to improve their database’s security.

Image Credit: Daniel M. Silva / Shutterstock.com

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.