Chegg Data Breach Affects 40 Million Customers

Chegg Data Breach Affects 40 Million Customers

The hack dates back to April 2018, and compromised information includes email addresses and passwords.

Textbook rental giant Chegg reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Wednesday that they had discovered a security breach affecting over 40 million users.

The report was discovered last week, but the intrusion allegedly began in April 2018. Chegg reported that “an unauthorized party gained access to the company database that hosts user data for chegg.com” in the SEC filing.

Chegg said the hack gained access to user names, email addresses, shipping addresses, and chegg.com passwords. The passwords were stored with a hashing algorithm, but it was not stated which one. Hashing algorithms can be broken, rendering the deciphered data in plain text.

However, Chegg did say that hackers did not gain access to Social Security numbers or financial information, such as credit card or bank account numbers. The company said it plans to reset all user passwords.

As a result of the data breach, Chegg’s stock plunged more than 12 percent. Other companies have had bad luck with data breaches as well, with Under Armour having suffered a similar attack in March. This breach comes on the heels of British Airways having their mobile app that compromised information for nearly 400,000 card payments.

About the Author

Jordan Lutke is an intern with 1105 Media.

Featured

  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.