The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) recently fell victim to a cyberattack resulting in a data breach impacting over 2,200 individuals. The hackers gained unauthorized access to select Hershey employee email accounts in September through a phishing scam. The breach provided access to sensitive personal information of impacted individuals, including names, contacts, health details, financial information, government identification numbers, and account credentials.
Hershey faced prior breaches in 2011 enabling hackers to access and alter consumer data on a compromised server. The recurring issues showcase gaps in Hershey’s defenses amid rising threats targeting major food corporations.
The company has been working to halt cybercriminals aiming to leverage stolen personal data for financial gain and security experts have warned that such incidents are becoming more pervasive. For Hershey, the need to seal persistent defense gaps is clear to maintain consumer and partner trust. In the upcoming months, we will see whether the latest breach prompts a more robust digital protection plan.
Why it matters: As cyberattacks grow more advanced and relentless, industry leaders like Hershey face the harsh truth that cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought. With hackers threatening companies, they have no choice but to actively strengthen their digital defenses.
- This breach underscores the persistent threat of cyberattacks on even well-established companies. The potential compromise of personal information, including financial and health data, raises concerns about identity theft and fraud for the affected individuals.
- Hershey’s response, including the engagement of security researchers and the implementation of measures like forced password changes, demonstrates the importance of swift action to mitigate potential risks.
- This incident serves as a reminder of the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, as even major corporations with substantial resources can fall victim to malicious activities.
Go Deeper –> Hershey warns of data breach following phishing attack – The Record
Chocolate maker Hershey breached in phishing attack – Cyber News
