Stolen customer data from Star Health, India's largest health insurer, has been made publicly accessible through Telegram chatbots. This alarming breach comes shortly after the founder of Telegram faced scrutiny for allegedly allowing the platform to facilitate criminal activities.
Key Takeaways
Customer data from Star Health is available via Telegram chatbots.
Star Health claims no widespread compromise of sensitive data.
Telegram has removed the chatbots, but new ones have emerged.
The incident follows the arrest of Telegram's founder for alleged criminal facilitation.
Overview of the Breach
On September 20, 2024, reports surfaced that a hacker had utilized Telegram chatbots to leak sensitive customer data from Star Health and Allied Insurance. The data includes personal information such as names, addresses, and medical records of millions of customers. Star Health, which boasts a market capitalization exceeding $4 billion, stated that it has reported the unauthorized access to local authorities and is actively investigating the breach.
Details of the Data Leak
The chatbots, identified as being created by a user known as "xenZen," have been operational since at least August 6, 2024. A security researcher alerted the media after discovering that the chatbots were offering samples of private data for free while also selling bulk data. The hacker claimed to possess 7.24 terabytes of data related to over 31 million customers.
In testing the chatbots, it was possible to download over 1,500 files, some dated as recently as July 2024. The chatbots were later marked as "SCAM" after being reported, but new bots quickly appeared, continuing to offer access to the stolen data.
Star Health's Response
Star Health has assured its customers that their privacy is of utmost importance. The company stated that an unidentified individual contacted them on August 13, claiming to have access to sensitive data. Following this, Star Health reported the matter to the cybercrime department in Tamil Nadu and the federal cybersecurity agency, CERT-In.
In an official statement, Star Health emphasized that the unauthorized acquisition and dissemination of customer data is illegal and that they are cooperating with law enforcement to address the situation.
The Role of Telegram
Telegram's unique features, such as the ability to create customizable chatbots, have made it a popular platform for communication. However, this incident highlights the challenges the app faces in moderating content and preventing misuse. The recent arrest of Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, has intensified scrutiny over the platform's role in facilitating criminal activities.
Implications for Data Security
The use of Telegram chatbots to sell stolen data underscores the growing trend of hackers exploiting such technologies. According to a survey by NordVPN, India represented the largest number of victims, accounting for 12% of the five million people whose data was sold via chatbots.
Experts warn that the ease of use and anonymity provided by Telegram makes it an attractive option for criminals. The incident serves as a wake-up call for companies to bolster their cybersecurity measures and protect sensitive customer information.
As the investigation continues, both Star Health and Telegram are under pressure to ensure that such breaches do not happen again, emphasizing the need for robust data protection strategies in an increasingly digital world.
Sources
Exclusive: Hacker uses Telegram chatbots to leak data of top Indian insurer Star Health | Reuters, Reuters.
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