What Company Was Breached?
Zacks Investment Research is a leading financial services company that provides stock research, ratings, and investment tools for individual and institutional investors. Known for its Zacks Rank, the company helps users make informed decisions based on market analysis and expert ratings.
When Did the Breach Occur?
The Zacks data breach occurred on June 22, 2024, when data from over 12 million accounts was leaked to a hacking forum. This breach followed a previous incident in 2023 and exposed sensitive user information.
What Was Stolen?
- Email Addresses
- IP Addresses
- Names
- Usernames
- Phone Numbers
- Physical Addresses
How Can This Breach Be Used Against You?
Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks:
With access to email addresses, usernames, and other personal details, attackers can craft highly convincing phishing emails that appear to come from Zacks or related financial services. These emails could trick users into providing login credentials, financial details, or even installing malware on their devices.
Account Takeovers and Fraud:
The exposure of usernames and email addresses increases the risk of account takeovers, especially for individuals using weak passwords or those who have reused passwords across multiple platforms. Once attackers gain access to accounts, they could make unauthorized transactions, change account settings, or steal funds.
Identity Theft and Financial Exploitation:
The breach also exposed physical addresses and phone numbers. Combined with other personal information, this could lead to identity theft, where attackers use your data to open fraudulent accounts, apply for loans, or make unauthorized purchases. Furthermore, your financial security could be at risk if attackers attempt to exploit this data for fraudulent activities.
OptMsg Can Protect You
Following the Zacks data breach, phishing attacks, identity theft, and unauthorized access to personal information have become heightened risks. OptMsg offers advanced email security solutions to protect you from these threats and ensure your personal data remains secure:
- Opt-In Email Filtering:
OptMsg’s email filtering system blocks harmful emails and phishing attempts before they reach your inbox, helping you avoid fraud. - Encrypted Messaging:
OptMsg’s encrypted messaging service ensures your sensitive conversations between OptMsg users remain private, protected from unauthorized access. - Privacy by Design:
We never sell your personal data or use your emails for marketing purposes, ensuring your information stays secure and protected.
Relevant Links:
Stay Informed. Stay Secure.
At OptMsg, we provide state-of-the-art email security to help protect you from phishing attacks and other risks posed by data breaches. If you’re concerned about the security of your personal information or need help setting up secure communication solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
