An Interior Designer Accused of Cybercrime in a Data Breach at HDFC Life Insurance
Mumbai: A 27-year-old interior designer from Ambala, Haryana, has been arrested by police for allegedly participating in a major hack against HDFC Life Insurance. The defendant is charged with working with a mastermind stationed in Hong Kong to extort the business and obtain confidential client information.
A 27-year-old interior designer from Ambala, Haryana, has been arrested by police for allegedly participating in a major hack against HDFC Life Insurance. The defendant is charged with working with a mastermind stationed in Hong Kong to extort the business and obtain confidential client information.
Information about the Breach
A cyberattack that compromised subscribers' private information took place between November 19 and November 21, 2024, according to HDFC Life Insurance. Cybercriminals obtained sensitive information, including policy numbers, names, addresses, contact information, and vital health data, by taking advantage of an email account and a WhatsApp link.
On November 19, the attackers contacted HDFC Life and threatened to reveal the stolen information unless their demands for ransom were fulfilled. The issue was further escalated when a second threat was delivered via WhatsApp.
The Methods of the Cyberattack
According to investigations, the suspect pretended to be a potential policy buyer in order to gain access to HDFC Life's computer system. He was able to access the company's database without authorization by intercepting One-Time Passwords (OTPs). The hacker from Hong Kong then received the stolen data and downloaded the hacked data.
The thieves used samples of the stolen data to show HDFC Life the extent of the breach and put pressure on the company to pay a ransom as part of their extortion plan.
The Reaction of HDFC Life
HDFC Life quickly filed a report with the South Region Cyber Police after the intrusion, describing the event through its Associate Vice President (Legal). A case was filed in accordance with a number of BNS and IT Act provisions.
HDFC Life recognized the breach and reassured stakeholders of its prompt response in a public statement to stock exchanges. The business has hired cybersecurity specialists to carry out a comprehensive investigation and strengthen its security protocols in order to stop such events in the future.
This incident emphasizes the need for increased attention and strong cybersecurity procedures in the insurance industry, as well as the growing threat of cybercrime.
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