Hackers Breach Ticketmaster, Now Selling Data of 560 Million Customers

Hacker Group ShinyHunters Offers Stolen Ticketmaster Customer Database For Sale

In a significant cybersecurity breach, the hacker group known as ShinyHunters has allegedly put the customer database of US-based ticket-seller Ticketmaster up for sale. The database reportedly comprises around 560 million records containing names, addresses, and partial payment details. As of yet, Ticketmaster has not confirmed a breach within its systems.

The information concerning data leaks is typically released by the affected company. In this instance, however, the first revelation came from Hackread, a resource specializing in cybersecurity, where authors discovered the Ticketmaster database on the recently re-launched hacker platform BreachForums. The Australian Police Force also confirmed that it is ‘working with Ticketmaster to comprehend the incident’. This indirect information further substantiates the hacking incident, despite the company’s silence. ShinyHunters states that the database is 1.3 terabytes and contains personal data of 560 million customers and it is selling for $500,000.

The hackers claim that they tried to sell the stolen Ticketmaster data before offering it up on BreachForums. It appears that the platform’s administration did not respond to the attempted extortion, complicating efforts to determine if the group is looking for a new buyer or pressuring the victim. The ShinyHunters group might be working on gaining reputation points as well: FBI had shut down the hacker platform BreachForums, partially controlled by the group, two weeks ago which now has revived with the customer database of a leading operator.

The choice of Ticketmaster as a target also supports this hypothesis. The ticket service has faced widespread criticism, including from fans of pop sensation Taylor Swift and other music lovers in the US, and has been subject to an antitrust lawsuit by the Justice Department. Users of the platform are advised to change their account passwords and check for any saved credit card details. If they exist, it would be prudent to replace the cards.