Data breach
The technology company confirms hacking and the number of affected customers to NRK.
Hacked company: Founder and CEO Edgeir Vårdal Aksnes of Tibber. The photo was taken in a different context this summer.
Photo: Kristine Askvik
– We can confirm that data related to 50,003 German customers has been stolen, writes press chief Gaute Haaversen-Westhassel in a text message to NRK.
The company is checking if this may also concern Norwegian customers.
The stolen data is linked to customers who have purchased smart products in the German Tibber store.
No credit information or personal identification numbers have been stolen, informs the press chief.
– This is now a police matter in Germany, and therefore there is information we cannot share, says Haaversen-Westhassel to NRK.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Cybersecurity Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a serious issue that has come to light regarding the recent data breach at the technology company Tibber. With us is Dr. Sarah Henderson, a renowned expert in cybersecurity. Sarah, there seems to be a growing concern over data breaches. What are your immediate thoughts on the Tibber incident?
Dr. Sarah Henderson (SH): Thank you for having me. This situation with Tibber is indeed alarming. The confirmation of data being stolen from over 50,000 German customers raises significant red flags regarding the company’s security protocols. This breach not only compromises personal information but also erodes trust in digital services.
TNE: The press chief at Tibber, Gaute Haaversen-Westhassel, mentioned that data related to these customers has been stolen. What kind of data are we typically talking about in such breaches?
SH: Great question. While the precise details haven’t yet been disclosed, we often see personal identifiable information (PII) being targeted. This usually includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, and possibly financial information. In some cases, more sensitive data could also be involved, depending on what the company collects.
TNE: It’s concerning. What can companies like Tibber do to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future?
SH: Companies must invest in robust cybersecurity measures. This includes regular security audits, employee training on recognizing phishing attempts, and implementing multi-factor authentication. Additionally, keeping software and systems updated is critical to patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
TNE: What should the affected customers do following this breach?
SH: They should monitor their accounts closely for any suspicious activity, change their passwords, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on their accounts. Furthermore, they should be cautious about any unsolicited communications that could be phishing attempts exploiting their concern over the breach.
TNE: Given the rise in data breaches, do you think regulations should be tightened to protect consumer data?
SH: Absolutely. Regulations like GDPR in Europe have made strides in enhancing consumer protection, but there is always room for improvement. Companies need to be held accountable for data breaches and should be required to follow best practices in data protection. This will not only help secure consumer data but also encourage trust in technology.
TNE: That’s an insightful perspective, Sarah. what advice would you offer to consumers in this digital age where data breaches seem almost inevitable?
SH: Consumers need to remain vigilant. Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and stay informed about the companies they share their data with. Awareness and proactive measures are key to protecting oneself in this digital landscape.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Henderson. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these complex cybersecurity challenges. We appreciate your time, and we hope our audience takes your advice to heart.
SH: Thank you for having me. It’s important for all of us to stay safe online.