Comcast

Comcast experienced a significant **data breach in February 2024** caused by a **third-party vendor’s cybersecurity failures**, exposing the **personal information of nearly 275,000 customers**, including names, addresses, and account details. The breach stemmed from **inadequate security measures** by the vendor, leading to unauthorized access and severe privacy risks. The incident triggered an **FCC investigation**, resulting in a **$1.5 million fine** and **reputational damage**, as customers questioned Comcast’s ability to protect their data. The case highlights critical gaps in **vendor oversight** and underscores the financial, regulatory, and trust-related consequences of third-party security lapses. While Comcast settled the probe, the breach serves as a warning for organizations to enforce **stricter vendor audits, continuous monitoring, and clear contractual cybersecurity obligations** to prevent similar incidents.

Source: https://dailysecurityreview.com/cyber-security/data-security/comcasts-1-5-million-settlement-in-data-breach-incident-with-fcc/

Comcast cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/comcast

"id": "COM4832048112725",
"linkid": "comcast",
"type": "Breach",
"date": "2/2024",
"severity": "85",
"impact": "4",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with customers data leaks"

{'affected_entities': [{'customers_affected': '275,000',
                        'industry': 'Telecommunications',
                        'location': 'United States',
                        'name': 'Comcast',
                        'size': 'Large (Fortune 500)',
                        'type': 'Telecommunications'}],
 'attack_vector': 'Inadequate cybersecurity measures by third-party vendor',
 'data_breach': {'data_exfiltration': 'Yes',
                 'number_of_records_exposed': '275,000',
                 'personally_identifiable_information': 'Yes',
                 'sensitivity_of_data': 'High (names, addresses, account '
                                        'details)',
                 'type_of_data_compromised': ['Personally Identifiable '
                                              'Information (PII)']},
 'date_detected': '2024-02',
 'description': 'Comcast experienced a significant data breach in February '
                '2024 due to inadequate cybersecurity measures by a '
                'third-party vendor handling customer data. The breach exposed '
                'personal information of nearly 275,000 Comcast customers, '
                'including names, addresses, and account-related details. The '
                'FCC imposed a $1.5 million fine on Comcast for the incident, '
                'highlighting the financial and reputational risks of '
                'third-party vendor vulnerabilities.',
 'impact': {'brand_reputation_impact': 'Negative (customers questioned data '
                                       'protection capabilities)',
            'customer_complaints': 'Increased (reputational damage)',
            'data_compromised': ['Names',
                                 'Addresses',
                                 'Account-related details'],
            'financial_loss': '$1.5 million (FCC fine)',
            'identity_theft_risk': 'High (sensitive personal data exposed)',
            'legal_liabilities': '$1.5 million FCC fine'},
 'investigation_status': 'Resolved (FCC settlement reached)',
 'lessons_learned': ['Protecting customer data requires constant vigilance and '
                     'assessment of vendor security measures.',
                     'Organizations must enforce stricter controls and audits '
                     'of third-party vendors.',
                     'Transparency and swift action in response to breaches '
                     'are crucial for maintaining customer trust.'],
 'post_incident_analysis': {'corrective_actions': ['Enhanced vendor '
                                                   'accountability measures',
                                                   'Stricter security '
                                                   'protocols for third-party '
                                                   'data handling'],
                            'root_causes': ['Inadequate cybersecurity measures '
                                            'by third-party vendor',
                                            'Lack of robust vendor oversight '
                                            'by Comcast']},
 'recommendations': ['Continuous monitoring of vendor security practices.',
                     'Mandate periodic security audits for vendors with '
                     'detailed reporting requirements.',
                     'Define cybersecurity obligations and breach '
                     'repercussions in vendor contracts.'],
 'references': [{'source': 'FCC investigation report (2024)'}],
 'regulatory_compliance': {'fines_imposed': '$1.5 million',
                           'legal_actions': 'FCC investigation and settlement',
                           'regulations_violated': ['FCC data protection '
                                                    'requirements'],
                           'regulatory_notifications': 'FCC'},
 'title': 'Comcast Third-Party Vendor Data Breach (2024)',
 'type': 'Data Breach (Third-Party Vendor)',
 'vulnerability_exploited': "Vendor's security shortcomings (unspecified)"}