**Ransomware Attack Exposes Social Security Numbers at Major Gas Station Chain**
The dark web just got a whole lot darker, as cybercriminals have hit one of Texas's largest gas station chains with a devastating ransomware attack.
A recent breach has exposed the sensitive personal data of over 377,000 individuals, including names, contact details, Social Security numbers, and driver's license numbers. This heinous act was perpetrated by hackers who spent days undetected inside the network, stealing valuable information before deploying the ransomware that encrypted files across the systems.
The company behind the breach, Gulshan Management Services, Inc., reported a cybersecurity incident to the Maine Attorney General's Office in late September. However, it wasn't until months later that investigators determined the extent of the damage and the identity of those responsible.
Ransomware attacks are not limited to tech companies; retailers like gas stations store sensitive customer and employee data that criminals actively target. In this case, the attackers began with a phishing attack, exploiting the human vulnerability in security systems.
So far, no known ransomware group has publicly taken credit for the attack. But, as we've seen time and again, silence from the attackers can mean one of two things: either they haven't yet posted stolen data publicly or the victim company may have resolved the incident privately.
In this case, Gulshan's filing states that it restored its systems using known-safe backups. However, once data has been copied out of a network, there is no way to pull it back. Whether or not the stolen information ever appears online, the exposure alone puts affected people at long-term risk.
**What You Can Do to Protect Yourself**
While you can't prevent these breaches yourself, you can limit how much power stolen data gives criminals by locking down your accounts and staying alert. Here are 10 steps you can take to protect yourself after a breach like this:
- Monitor your credit and identity closely: If the company offers free credit monitoring or identity protection, enroll in it. These services can alert you early if someone tries to open accounts or misuse your identity.
- Consider a personal data removal service: The less of your information that's floating around data broker sites, the harder it is for criminals to target you.
- A password manager helps you create and store unique passwords, which can stop attackers from breaking into your online accounts even if they have stolen data.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere possible: 2FA adds an extra barrier, even if someone has your personal details.
- Install and keep a strong antivirus software running: Strong antivirus software can help detect phishing attempts, malicious downloads, and suspicious activity before it turns into a full compromise.
- Watch for phishing and follow-up scams: Scammers often send fake emails or texts pretending to be the affected company or a credit monitoring service. Slow down, verify messages independently, and never click links you weren't expecting.
- Review your credit reports regularly: Check your reports from all major credit bureaus for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
- Freeze your credit to stop new accounts from being opened: If criminals expose your Social Security number, place a credit freeze as soon as possible. A credit freeze blocks lenders from opening new accounts in your name.
- Protect yourself from tax refund fraud with an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This simple but powerful safeguard can block common forms of identity theft tied to data breaches.
- Lock down existing bank and financial accounts: Enable alerts on bank and credit card accounts for large transactions, new payees, or changes to contact information.
Don't let cybercriminals win. Take control of your digital life today!
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**Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear, and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt's free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or at CyberGuy.com.