Massive Ticketmaster Data Breach Affects 560 Million Users, Live Nation Investigating Dark Web Sale
Live Nation has confirmed investigating a significant data breach at Ticketmaster involving personal information of 560 million customers. Hacker group ShinyHunters claims to have obtained 1.3 terabytes of user data, including names, addresses, phone numbers, hashed credit card information, and order details, offering it for sale on the dark web for $500,000.
The unauthorized activity was discovered in a third-party cloud database environment, as disclosed in a May 20 securities filing. While passwords weren't compromised, users are advised to change them as a precautionary measure.
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The company has notified law enforcement and regulatory authorities, though it maintains there's no evidence of "material impact" on business operations. A class action lawsuit is already in development despite these assurances.
This incident follows the Justice Department's recent antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, which seeks to break up its partnership with Ticketmaster. The DOJ alleges the company has illegally monopolized the live ticket business, noting Live Nation's control of over 265 live performance venues in North America, including more than 60 of America's top 100 amphitheaters.
ShinyHunters, the group claiming responsibility, has a history of similar attacks. According to the Justice Department, they've targeted over 60 companies worldwide since 2020, affecting millions of customer records across various industries including technology, stock trading, apparel, and fitness sectors.
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