Has Free been the victim of piracy? Many subscribers received an email from the operator informing them that some of their personal data had been “accessed” in a suspicious manner. Vigilance is required!
Like all Internet operators, Free constitutes an attractive target for cybercriminals, due to the colossal amount of personal information that the ISP possesses on its numerous subscribers. Also, when it comes to hacking, panic quickly arises! For several days, many subscribers have received a strange email from the operator informing them of a leak of customer data. “We inform you that we have detected a suspicious consultation of your personal data which could lead to a loss of confidentiality of some of your information”, can we read in the message. However, Free has not made any official statement on the matter.
Free Hacking: probable phishing attempts to come
It is entirely likely that this is an official notification. Indeed, in the event of massive data leaks, the law requires professionals to notify their customers, subscribers or patients,either by a banner or other on the website, or by email or SMS, or by post. The words used in the email suggest that a cyberattack would have affected the operator’s computer systems.
According to the email sent, the names, first names, telephone numbers and postal addresses of numerous subscribers were “consulted” – understand “stolen” – by a third party. Free nevertheless ensures that passwords, email addresses and bank details have not been disclosed. A priori, there is therefore no risk that subscribers’ online banking accounts or personal spaces will be compromised. The operator ensures that its teams “have taken all necessary additional security measures to ensure that this does not happen again”.
But even if the data collected is not particularly sensitive, we should expect phishing campaigns in the weeks to come. Indeed, when they get their hands on databases, scammers use personal information to adapt their traps and make their messages more credible, including impersonating your operator – in this case, Free. In short, if you are a Free subscriber, be extra vigilant in the coming weeks and as always, do not hastily respond to emails, SMS, calls, and even registered letters whose sender you do not know or which seem suspicious to you. . Take the time to verify the identity of the person you are talking to before doing anything!
Especially since hacking has been increasing in France lately! Nearly one in two French people saw their personal data, including their social security number, stolen in the hacks of Viamedis, then Amerys, two companies responsible for third-party payment for many mutual insurance companies (see our article). La Poste and Crédit Agricole were also victims of cyberattacks recently. A real massacre!