The pressure is mounting for Free. According to statements by the hacker, who operates under the pseudonym “DarkAngel”, the data stolen from Free was put up for sale. They include the personal information of nearly 20 million Free subscribers: names, first names, addresses, telephone numbers, but also the IBAN of more than 5 million subscribers. A package which would have found a buyer with several buyers on the dark web, for an amount of around 160,000 euros.
The announcement of this resale comes less than a week after the initial revelation of the data leak. Cybersecurity experts now fear that this information could be used for targeted phishing campaigns or large-scale identity theft attempts.
Faced with this escalation, the reaction of the authorities was not long in coming. The CNIL announced the opening of an in-depth investigation on the circumstances of the leak, while the ANSSI (National Agency for Information Systems Security) dispatched a team of experts to the operator to analyze the security flaws exploited.
For his part, Free tries to reassure its subscribers while strengthening its security measures. The operator has set up a dedicated crisis unit and promises regular communications on the progress of the situation. “Our teams work 24/7 to strengthen the security of our systems and support our subscribers”indicates a spokesperson for the company, who recommends that all customers change their passwords as a precaution.
Consumer associations are stepping up to the plate
Consumer protection associations do not intend to stop there. UFC-Que Choisir and CLCV consider collective action to defend the interests of affected subscribers. “Free’s responsibility is clearly engaged in this matter”affirms to Echoes Me Claire Dubois, lawyer specializing in digital law. “Operators have an obligation to achieve results when it comes to protecting the personal data of their customers.”
The first estimates of the potential damage are dizzying. Between the risks of identity theft, targeted fraud attempts and malicious exploitation of banking data, the total cost for victims could be in the millions of euros. Not to mention the impact on Free’s reputation, already damaged by this affair.
For the subscribers concerned, vigilance is more important than ever. Experts recommend monitoring your bank statements carefullyto exercise great caution when dealing with suspicious communications and to promptly report any attempted scam to the competent authorities.
- The hacker responsible for hacking Free announces that he has resold the stolen data of millions of subscribers on the dark web
- The CNIL and ANSSI have opened an investigation, while Free is setting up a crisis unit
- Consumer associations are considering collective legal action, the potential damage could amount to millions of euros
