Vodafone customer data leak 2013 - Page 1

I turn now to an important issue to you personally : Vodafone Germany was recently a target of a criminal attack on its server. The perpetrator procured access to master data of 2 million people. Concretely were the name, address , date of birth , gender, sort code and account number. Were completely protected credit card information , passwords , PIN numbers , mobile phone numbers or data connection . I regret to inform you that you are among the affected people. Independent security experts have confirmed to us that it is hardly possible for the perpetrator to gain direct access to bank accounts with the stolen data.

This attack was only possible with high criminal energy and insider knowledge - and found hidden deep in our IT infrastructure instead . He was discovered by us , stopped immediately and displayed . We work closely with the German authorities . I ask for your understanding that the authorities had initially asked us not to provide information to the public so as not to jeopardize investigations .

It is very unlikely to cause damage to the acquired master data. This is only possible with highly personalized perpetrators additional data. These offenders only get through so-called phishing attacks , where, for example through bogus e- mails more information, such as passwords and credit card information being intercepted. We therefore urge you , particularly careful with telephone or e- mail inquiries in which you are asked for release of personal information such as passwords or credit card information. Vodafone is not always such requests . We also advise your bank accounts regularly to check for irregularities and to contact your bank immediately .

Please refer to the instructions on the back and at www.vodafone.de / kundeninformatlon

I very much regret this incident and would like to reiterate that the security of your data is a top priority for us. We will take all steps to be better prepared in case of criminal attacks.