Activision, one of the largest video game publishers in the world which is in the process of being acquired by Microsoft, has suffered a data breach that exposed some of its games and employee information.
According to TechCrunch, unknown hackers performed a phishing attack against an Activision employee on December 4, 2023. They gained access to some internal data, including unreleased games and personal details of some employees.
The hackers reportedly contacted TechCrunch with screenshots of the stolen data, which included game titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 5 and Overwatch 2. They also claimed to have access to employee emails, passwords, salaries, and performance reviews.
Activision Employees Left Uninformed
Activision did not disclose the data breach to its employees or customers for months. It only confirmed the incident after TechCrunch contacted them for comment. The company said it was investigating the matter and working with law enforcement agencies.
The data breach could have serious consequences for Activision and its stakeholders. The hackers could leak or sell the stolen games and data online, damaging Activision’s reputation and revenue. The employees whose information was compromised could face identity theft, fraud, or harassment.
Activision is not the only company that has been targeted by hackers recently. Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange platform, also reported a data breach that affected some of its employees. Hackers used phishing emails to trick them into revealing their login credentials and accessing their accounts.
Phishing Attacks Are Very Common
These incidents highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness and protection for both individuals and organizations. Phishing attacks are one of the most common methods used by hackers to steal data. They involve sending fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate sources but contain malicious links or attachments that can infect devices or capture information.
To prevent phishing attacks, experts recommend using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, verifying email senders, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments. Additionally, companies should educate their employees on how to recognize and report phishing attempts, as well as encrypt their sensitive data and monitoring their networks for any unauthorized activity.
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Last Updated on June 4, 2023 1:13 pm CEST by Markus Kasanmascheff
