Yet another data leak in France. A new brand was the target of a cyberattack this week.This is Norauto,specialized in automotive maintenance,which has seen the data of 78,000 of its customers disclosed to the general public. The company said it had taken measures to stop the cyber attack and informed its customers and the CNIL (National Commission for IT and Liberties). This episode adds to many others that have occurred in the last few weeks alone, calling into question everything digital and raising the challenge of protecting individual data.
2024, an ordeal for cybersecurity in France
This year alone, many institutions and companies have been exposed to cyber attacks. Every month brought with it a series of leaks: already in January the Simone Veil hospital in Cannes was targeted by ransomware, which paralyzed its systems and compromised more than 60 GB of medical data. In February, two consecutive cyber attacks were announced against service providers Viamedis and Almerys, which specialize in managing third-party payments for numerous complementary and mutual health insurances. Results: Over 33 million people’s data was breached.
Shortly thereafter, in March, France Travail was targeted by sophisticated malware that led to the leak of thousands of personal data. Since last September the hacking has intensified,with many brands targeted by cyber attacks such as Boulanger and its hundreds of thousands of affected customers,Cultura and the theft of data from 1.5 million of its customers, Truffaut, the group Bayard and the newspaper La Croix but above all telephone operators such as SFR and Free.
A cyber attack on September 3 hit this operator’s order management tool, affecting around 50,000 customers. The compromised data included names, addresses, telephone numbers, IBAN and contract data. At the end of october 2024 Free was itself the victim of a massive cyber attack, exposing the personal data of approximately 5.1 million customers. Simultaneously occurring,in November,Auchan revealed that it had suffered a cyber attack that exposed the information of more than 500,000 customers,including sensitive data about their purchasing habits.
Another brand joins a long list. On Tuesday 3 December, Norauto, a company specializing in car maintenance, announced that it had been hit by a data leak involving several thousand of its customers.
78,000 customers affected
“Norauto was the subject of an act of cyber-mischief. Investigations carried out by our teams mobilized on the matter indicate that personal data specifically related to our rental service was targeted,” the company explains. 78,000 of its customers are affected
As for the nature of the leaked data, it concerns, “depending on the case”, surnames, first names, email and postal addresses, telephone numbers, loyalty card numbers and above all numbers of identity documents provided during rentals. The company said it had “promptly put in place measures to stop the attack and strengthen the security of its systems”, and that it had communicated this cyber attack to its customers and to the CNIL, the French personal data gendarme.
A few days earlier, an advertisement for the sale of stolen data to Norauto had been published on BreachForums, a cybercrime platform.The author of the proclamation claimed to have accessed the company’s administrative panel, also citing the figure of “78,000” lines of data. Its prices varied between 50 and 200 euros.
Such situations undoubtedly remind us of the importance for companies to strengthen their cybersecurity. Though, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. And since no system is ever perfect and hackers constantly try to exploit the slightest weakness, these cyber attacks above all leave room for questions about the dangers of everything digital and the impossibility of guaranteeing data security.
but cyber attacks against institutions such as the Banque de France or the Family Benefits Fund (CAF) especially raise concerns about plans, both in Europe and elsewhere, for the central bank identity or currency (MNBC), such as the digital euro, supported by the ECB.
How can individuals enhance their personal cybersecurity to protect against data breaches?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Cybersecurity Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our ongoing series where we dive deep into the most pressing issues of our time. Today, we’re focusing on a critical topic that has been making headlines: cybersecurity in France. Joining us is Dr.Claire Dupont, a leading expert in cybersecurity and data protection. Thank you for being here, Claire.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s get right to it. This past week, Norauto, a company specializing in automotive maintenance, reported a notable data leak affecting 78,000 customers. This seems to be just one of many incidents recently. What does this latest breach signal about the current state of cybersecurity in France?
Dr. dupont: It certainly underscores a troubling trend. 2024 has been an alarming year in terms of cyberattacks in France. We’re seeing not just individual companies but entire sectors being targeted. The Norauto incident is part of a larger pattern that suggests many organizations are still not adequately prepared to handle sophisticated cyber threats.
Editor: Just this year,we’ve seen various high-profile breaches,from hospitals to major retailers. January saw the Simone Veil hospital in Cannes attacked, and in February, 33 million records were compromised from Viamedis and Almerys. Why do you think there’s been such a surge in attacks, especially in France?
Dr. Dupont: Several factors contribute to this rise. First, the increase in digital operations means more points of vulnerability. Any entity that handles sensitive information is a potential target. Additionally,the hackers have become more organized and sophisticated,often employing ransomware tactics that cause significant disruption—like in the case of Simone Veil,where over 60 gigabytes of medical data were compromised. Lastly, the accessibility of hacking tools has democratized cybercrime, making it easier for individuals and groups to execute attacks.
Editor: it’s certainly unsettling.In your opinion, what could organizations do to enhance their cybersecurity measures against such escalated threats?
dr.Dupont: Organizations must adopt a multi-layered approach. This includes employee training to recognize phishing attempts and social engineering tactics, implementing strong access controls, encrypting sensitive data, and regularly updating software to patch vulnerabilities. Moreover, conducting stress tests and simulations can prepare teams to respond more effectively during a real attack.
Editor: you mentioned access controls and encryption. Are there any regulations in place to mandate these protective measures for companies in France?
Dr. Dupont: Yes, the CNIL, which stands for the National Commission for IT and Liberties, imposes strict regulations under GDPR. Companies are obligated to ensure the safety of personal data, and they can face significant penalties for non-compliance. However, enforcement and adherence vary widely across sectors, which is a challenge. There’s definitely a need for more unified standards and practices across industries.
Editor: given your expertise, how can consumers protect themselves in light of these data breaches?
Dr. Dupont: Consumers should be proactive about their personal data. This means using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication where available, and being cautious about sharing personal information online. Furthermore,regularly monitoring financial accounts for unusual transactions can help catch data breaches early.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for cybersecurity in France moving into the next few years?
Dr. Dupont: The biggest challenge will undoubtedly be keeping pace with rapidly evolving threats. cybercriminals are relentless, and as the digital landscape grows, so do the risks. However, there’s an opportunity for innovation in cybersecurity technology and practices. France has a robust cybersecurity community and investments in research could lead to breakthroughs that help us better defend against threats. Additionally, fostering collaboration between organizations can enhance collective security.
Editor: Claire, it’s been enlightening to hear your insights on this critical issue. we hope to see improvements in cybersecurity measures soon. Thank you for your time today.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important topic. Awareness and preparedness are crucial as we navigate these challenges ahead.