Epsilon Hacked

So you probably looked at the title of my post and thought, what is Epsilon? Well, if you have a bank account with Chase, invest money with Capital One or ever owned a TiVo, you might be in big trouble. Epsilon, is a securities company, that stores customer names and email information for over 2,500 companies. The company is responsible for sending out over 40 billion mass emails to the customers of these various businesses. At first glance, someone might not realize what this job entails, because it isn't like Epsilon has social security or credit card numbers in its database. However, what security experts are worrying about is the possibility of phishing. Phishing, refers to fake e-mailing done by hackers, who try to pose as real companies that you have previously done business with. What I mean is, since the hacker is able to see what email chains you have signed up they are able to create very realistic, but fraudulent emails. For example, if you recently signed up for Chase's emailing list, a hacker might see that and create a replica email saying if you provide us with your bank account numbers or social security numbers we will lower your interest rates. Since you have recently signed up to be on their email list you are far less likely to be suspicious, and may possibly give up this information. Also, because the hackers have access to names and addresses, they are able to create far more personal messages that may make a customer more likely to believe it is real. For anyone who subscribes to emails from any of the companies listed on this link, be careful who you provide your personal information to, because you may be talking to a hacker, not your Capital One advisor.

Citations: http://newenterprise.allthingsd.com/files/2011/04/epsilon_logo.jpg