Advance Auto Parts Cyber Attack: Over 2 Million Users Data Exposed

RALEIGH, NC—Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, a prominent commercial entity in the automotive industry, has recently been the victim of a cyber attack.

The breach, which occurred on April 14, 2024, was discovered on June 10, 2024, and has compromised the personal information of over 2.3 million users, including 13,858 residents of Maine.

Ethan Steiger, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Advance Auto Parts, confirmed the breach in a formal notification submitted to the authorities.

The compromised data includes names and other personal identifiers, raising serious concerns about potential identity theft and misuse of personal information.

Details of the Breach

The breach was identified as an external system breach, commonly known as hacking. The attackers managed to infiltrate the company’s systems and gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information.

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The breach was not detected until nearly two months later, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the attack and the challenges in identifying such threats promptly.

According to the Office of Maine Attorney General reports, Advance Auto Parts immediately mitigated the damage and secured its systems.

The company has since notified the affected individuals through written communication, with notifications sent out on July 10, 2024.

Affected users are offered identity theft protection services to safeguard their personal information. Advance Auto Parts has implemented several measures to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure in response to the breach.

This includes a thorough review of their security protocols, increased system monitoring, and collaboration with cybersecurity experts to prevent future incidents.

Ethan Steiger emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting their customers’ data and ensuring such breaches do not occur again.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience and concern this incident may have caused our valued customers. Our team is working tirelessly to address the situation and strengthen our defenses against future threats,” Steiger stated.

The company has also notified consumer reporting agencies, as the law requires, to ensure that affected individuals can take necessary precautions. Users are advised to monitor their accounts for suspicious activity and report anomalies to the relevant authorities.

The Advance Auto Parts data breach is a stark reminder of the growing threat of cyber attacks and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. As businesses continue to digitize their operations, the need for advanced security protocols and vigilant monitoring becomes increasingly critical.

Customers affected by the breach are encouraged to take advantage of the identity theft protection services offered by Advance Auto Parts and remain vigilant in safeguarding their personal information.

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