Automaker Giant Stellantis Says Customers' Personal Data Stolen During Breach

Stellantis, the multinational automaker behind iconic brands such as Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and more, has confirmed a devastating data breach that has left customers' personal information exposed. In a statement released on Sunday, the company revealed that it was the victim of a breach involving a "third-party service provider's platform" that supports its North American customer service operations.

According to Stellantis, contact information was compromised in the breach, but the company has declined to provide further details about the specific types of data taken. The spokesperson also refused to disclose how many customers are being notified that their information has been stolen. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among security experts and affected customers alike.

Briefing Computer reports that Stellantis' data breach is linked to a sophisticated hack of its Salesforce database, allegedly carried out by the notorious hackers known as ShinyHunters. The group claimed responsibility for the breach, which saw the theft of 18 million customer records from the database.

This breach joins an alarming list of recent attacks on companies across various industries, including Cloudflare, Google, and Proofpoint. Salesloft Drift was also affected in a related breach, with numerous other firms whose data was stolen from their Salesforce instances. The sheer scale of these breaches highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks and the need for improved security measures.

As one of the largest automakers in the world, Stellantis' vulnerability to this breach raises questions about its ability to protect sensitive customer information. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity protocols and regular data monitoring to prevent such breaches from occurring in the first place.

The Fallout: What's Next for Stellantis?

With the breach now out in the open, it remains to be seen how Stellantis will respond. The company has already cancelled plans for an electrified Jeep Gladiator and paused production at its European operations due to ongoing disruptions caused by a ransomware attack earlier this week. As the situation unfolds, customers can expect more information about the extent of the breach and steps being taken to mitigate its impact.

In the meantime, affected customers are advised to monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity and take immediate action if they notice anything out of the ordinary. Stellantis' decision to notify impacted customers will likely be met with scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike, as the company seeks to regain trust in its ability to safeguard sensitive customer data.