CUNA
  • Advocacy
    • Priorities we’re fighting for
    • Actions you can take
  • News
  • Learn
  • Compliance
  • Shop
  • Topics
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Contact
Learn More about Member Value

News

Member Benefits
Learn more
Learn more about the benefits of membership.
Home » Symantec: 59% of compromised info linked to retailer breaches
CU System

Symantec: 59% of compromised info linked to retailer breaches

April 20, 2015
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (4/21/15)--A recent report from the Internet security firm Symantec revealed just how devastating an attack on a retailer can be for consumers.

The 2015 Internet Security Threat Report found that retailers were responsible for exposing roughly 59% of all personal data compromised last year, despite only representing 11% of all breaches recorded (Pymnts.com April 20). 

Given the sheer quantity of personal data in the possession of retailers nationwide, it's no surprise CUNA continues to urge lawmakers at the national level to pass legislation that would require merchants to protect data as strongly as financial institutions do.

It's also not just the mega-retailers that are vulnerable, the report found, as roughly 60% of the targeted organizations last year were either small- or medium-sized. This may be especially concerning, as smaller organizations often have more difficulty defending themselves (Pymnts.com).

Additional findings from the report:
  • The percentage of breaches in which financial information was compromised doubled to 36% from 18% during the year;
     
  • Symantec counted 23% more breaches in 2014;
     
  • Spear-phishing--an email spoofing fraud method that targets an organization by seeking unauthoriezed access to confidential data--climbed 8%, while the cybercriminals behind such attacks became more efficient. Criminals sent 14% fewer emails to 20% fewer targets, while their success improved;
     
  • Malware continued to flourish, with more than 317 million new pieces of malware created last year, or nearly 1 million per day; and
     
  • Digital extortion, or ransomware attacks jumped 113% in 2014, including a 4,000% increase in crypto-ransomware attacks where cybercriminals freeze a victim's files or systems until they receive a payment, or a ransom.

Credit Union Magazine - Winter 2019

Winter 2019

Alternative lending, compliance management systems, and ideas for boosting credit card portfolios are among the topics of Credit Union Magazine’s Winter 2019 edition.
App •  Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • CFPB proposes to raise remittance threshold to 500 transfers

  • Concerns over credit union-bank mergers, CRA ‘inaccurate, misinformed’

  • Compliance: Using alternative data in underwriting

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

What's the pace of staff turnover at your CU?

View Results
More

Champion of America’s Credit Unions

Credit Union National Association is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Recommended Websites

Resources for

  • CUNA Board Members
  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Vendors