**Hertz Breach Affects Thousands of Customers**
Hertz has confirmed that its car rental brands, including Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar, were victims of a massive data breach in 2024. The breach, which occurred in October and December 2024, saw hackers exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in the Clop managed file transfer program Cleo Harmony. This exploit allowed the attackers to steal sensitive customer data, including names, contact information, dates of birth, credit card information, and driver’s licenses. The attackers, believed to be from the group Clop, have taken responsibility for the attack and have exploited vulnerabilities in other 65 companies, including Western Alliance Bank, WK Kellogg Co, and Sam’s Club. The group’s motives are unclear, but the attack has raised concerns about the security of customer data. The breach may have also included information related to workers’ compensation claims, although this has not been confirmed. Hertz has confirmed that the stolen data may include Social Security numbers, government identification numbers, passport information, Medicaid or Medicare ID, and other sensitive information. However, the company has stated that it does not know how many customers were affected by the breach, and that the data stolen will vary by individual. Hertz has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the breach, including offering affected customers two years of free access to identity theft protection services through Kroll. This service includes features such as monitoring for suspicious activity, credit freezes, and identity theft restoration. Hertz is also advising affected customers to be on the lookout for signs of potential fraud and to take steps to protect themselves from targeted phishing attacks. **Protecting Yourself from Phishing Attacks**
Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly common, and the breach at Hertz highlights the importance of being vigilant. If you receive a suspicious email or message, do not click on any links or attachments from unknown sources. Instead, enter the URL directly into your browser or contact the sender directly to confirm what they may have sent. You should also be cautious of phone calls or mail that seem suspicious. To protect yourself from phishing attacks, you should familiarize yourself with the common signs of a phishing attack. These include:
* Urgent or threatening messages that demand immediate action
* Suspicious links or attachments
* Emails or messages that ask for sensitive information
* Unusual or unfamiliar sender names
* Requests for payment or other sensitive information
**Staying Safe with Antivirus Software**
In addition to being vigilant, it is also important to have robust antivirus software on your system. This can include features such as a VPN, a password manager, and a hardened browser. By staying protected with antivirus software, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing attacks. **Claiming Identity Theft Protection**
Hertz is offering affected customers two years of free access to identity theft protection services through Kroll. To claim this offer, you can enroll in Kroll’s identity theft protection service by following the instructions provided by Hertz. In conclusion, the breach at Hertz highlights the importance of being vigilant and taking steps to protect yourself from phishing attacks. By familiarizing yourself with the common signs of a phishing attack, using robust antivirus software, and claiming identity theft protection, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to this type of attack.
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