Data Breach: The 700Credit Incident & How to Secure Your Identity
A significant data breach has hit 700Credit, a major credit reporting and compliance solution used by auto dealerships across the country. If you have purchased a vehicle recently, your data may be at risk. Here is a breakdown of what happened, what was stolen, and six critical steps you need to take immediately.
Part 1: The Incident
What Happened?
The breach traces back to a compromise at one of 700Credit’s third-party integration partners. A threat actor exploited an exposed API in July to access dealership client data. Unfortunately, the partner failed to notify 700Credit of the initial compromise, allowing unauthorized access to persist for months.
Key Details:
- Timeline: Data theft occurred between May and October.
- Detection: Suspicious activity was flagged on October 25, prompting a forensic investigation.
- Scope: Approximately 20% of consumer data accessible through the affected system was stolen.
Part 2: Data Exposure & Risks
Critical Data at Risk
The company has confirmed the exposure of highly sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII), specifically Social Security numbers. Unlike passwords, SSNs cannot be changed, creating a persistent, long-term risk of identity theft and financial fraud for affected consumers.
Company Response
700Credit has launched a dedicated webpage regarding the incident and is offering support:
- The Offer: 12 months of free identity protection and credit monitoring via TransUnion.
- Deadline: You have a 90-day window to enroll after receiving your notification.
The Broader Context
This incident highlights the volatility of third-party vendor access. It mirrors recent compromises at major platforms like SoundCloud and Pornhub, serving as a stark reminder that vendors often represent a critical vulnerability in the data supply chain.
Part 3: Six Steps to Stay Safe
Data stolen in breaches often sits in underground markets for months before being abused. Do not wait for suspicious activity to appear—lock down your digital presence now.
1. Deploy Strong Antivirus Software
Attackers often follow up large data leaks with targeted phishing campaigns. Rigorous antivirus software is your first line of defense against malicious links and spyware designed to harvest more of your private data.
Reach Out To Usto get a copy of a top-tier Antivirus: Vipre!
2. Switch to a Password Manager
Stop reusing passwords immediately. A password manager allows you to generate and store complex, unique credentials for every service. Many also include “breach scanners” that alert you if your email appears in new data leaks.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Turn on 2FA for all critical accounts (banking, email, social media). Even if a hacker has your password, they cannot access the account without the second factor. Tip: Use an authenticator app rather than SMS to protect against SIM-swapping.
4. Activate Identity Theft Monitoring
Since this breach involves financial data, monitoring services are essential. They alert you to credit checks, new loans, or dark web activity involving your PII. Early detection allows you to act before significant financial damage occurs.
5. Freeze Your Credit
Crucial Step: Because Social Security numbers were exposed, a credit freeze is your strongest defense. It stops criminals from opening new lines of credit in your name entirely. You can temporarily lift the freeze whenever you need to apply for credit yourself.
6. Utilize a Data Removal Service
Scammers often cross-reference breached data with public information found on data broker sites. Data removal services systematically scrub your personal details from these repositories, significantly reducing your digital footprint.
Stay Safe,
Alan Schmid
Hero I.T. Consulting
Keeping Your Business & Family Safe Online