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Intro

Imagine hailing a ride on Uber and trusting the platform with your personal information. Now, imagine that same information in the hands of hackers. In 2016, Uber experienced a massive data breach, affecting 57 million users and drivers worldwide. The breach was kept under wraps for over a year, with Uber paying a $100,000 ransom to the hackers to delete the stolen data. This incident not only raised questions about Uber’s commitment to user privacy and security but also highlighted the potential risks of digital platforms. Let’s delve deeper into this incident.

Uber Data Breaches Explained

What Happened?

Uber had a huge data breach in 2016, compromising the personal information of 57 million users and drivers worldwide. The breach was kept secret for over a year as Uber paid the hackers a $100,000 ransom to remove the stolen data and keep the occurrence private. This lack of openness cast doubt on Uber’s dedication to consumer privacy and security.

Individuals affected included both Uber users and drivers, totaling 57 million accounts. The stolen information contained the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of Uber users all across the world. Furthermore, the hack compromised the license numbers of around 600,000 drivers in the United States. This sensitive data could possibly be exploited for identity theft or other illegal acts.

This privacy breach happened in October 2016 and was uncovered in November 2017. The breach lasted for several weeks and occurred due to hackers exploiting a vulnerability in Uber’s systems related to a private GitHub coding site used by the company’s software engineers. This event emphasized the importance of strong cybersecurity measures. It is necessary for companies to quickly disclose such hacking incidents to the affected users and regulatory authorities for the sake of transparency. Doing so is also helpful to reduce potential damages and preserve users’ trust. The complete timeline of Uber’s breach of privacy is listed below.

Timeline

  • 2023 (April): Uber Drivers’ Sensitive Data Breached. Uber’s law firm, Genova Burns, reports a data breach, compromising drivers’ Social Security and Tax Identification numbers. The extent of the breach remains undisclosed.
  • 2022 (December): Third-Party Vendor Breach Affects Uber. A breach at Teqtivity, a third-party vendor, leaks data of 77,000 Uber employees, along with internal reports and possibly source code. Uber confirms no customer data was involved.
  • 2022 (September): Uber Compromised by Lapsus$-Affiliated Hacker. Hacker gains extensive access to Uber’s internal systems, including source code and communication channels. Uber reports no sensitive user data was accessed and links the breach to the Lapsus$ group.
  • 2020 (August): Uber Eats User Data on Dark Web. Cybersecurity firm Cyble discovers personal information of Uber Eats customers and drivers on the dark web, totaling around 579 customer and 100 driver files.
  • 2018 (September): Uber Settles for $148 Million Over Concealed Data Breach. Uber finalizes a settlement with the FTC for failing to disclose a 2016 data breach, agreeing to pay $148 million and implement a comprehensive privacy program.
  • 2017 (November): Uber’s 2016 Data Breach Cover-Up Exposed. Bloomberg reveals Uber’s concealment of a 2016 breach involving 57 million customer records, leading to CEO Dana Khosrowshahi’s public acknowledgment and steps to prevent future breaches.
  • 2017 (August): Uber Settles FTC Charges. Uber settles with the FTC over privacy issues related to “God View” and a 2014 data breach, with later withdrawal due to non-disclosure of the 2016 breach.
  • 2016 (December): Uber Hides Data Breach and Pays Hackers. Uber pays hackers $100,000 to delete the stolen data of 57 million customers and keep the incident secret, leading to legal consequences and executives’ resignations.
  • 2016 (December): Lawsuit Alleges Uber Tracked Celebrities and Politicians. A lawsuit claims Uber employees improperly tracked high-profile individuals using “God View,” alongside user privacy concerns due to app permissions.
  • 2014 (November): Uber’s “God View” Used to Track Journalists. Uber faces backlash for using “God View” to track a Buzzfeed reporter’s location, leading to a $20,000 fine for privacy violations.
  • 2014 (May): Data Breach Exposes 100,000 Uber User Records. An Uber software engineer’s mistake leads to a hacker accessing over 100,000 user records stored in plain text on an Amazon Web Services server.
  • 2011 (September): Uber’s “God View” Displays User Locations. Uber executives use “God View” at a launch party to showcase the real-time locations of specific users, sparking privacy concerns.

Will there be a compensation?

It’s common for large-scale data breaches to result in compensation for affected individuals. The exact Uber settlement amount may vary based on factors like the user’s location and the extent of the data breach.

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Am I Affected?

If you were affected, you should receive a data breach notification letter within 72 hours of its discovery. But, there have already been cases when these notices don’t get sent out at all, either as part of a cover-up to protect the company’s image or to avoid identifying users who might be entitled to compensation. So in case of a data leak, it’s a smart move to fill out the form and join the claim regardless. 

What To Do?

Whether you believe you were affected or are just exploring your options, you can quickly and easily check your eligibility and compensation amount with our quick data breach checker. In under two minutes, you’ll know how much money you can get and will be able to claim compensation. Give it a try!

Legal Proceedings and Uber Settlement

Uber’s legal issues over data breaches have left a trail of settlements and regulatory actions. For example, in April 2023, Uber drivers’ sensitive information was hacked through its law partner Genova Burns, indicating that the corporation faces continual issues. The incident resulted in possible violations of privacy rules, and no additional data breaches have been recorded as of October 2023.

The December 2022 Uber hack, which involved the compromising of 77,000 Uber workers’ information via a third-party vendor, raised questions about third-party security measures. The Lapsus$ group’s hack against Uber in September 2022 disclosed source code and internal databases, revealing vulnerabilities and probable violations of user data protection regulations.

The legal settlements reached by Uber reflect the gravity of these data breaches. The $148 million financial litigation with the FTC in September 2018, which included data breaches in 2014 and 2016, highlighted Uber’s need to promptly disclose such events. The settlement required an effective privacy program, emphasizing the need for preventative measures.

The 2017 disclosure of a cover-up over a data breach in late 2016 resulted in a $100,000 payment to hackers and associated legal costs. Furthermore, the FTC settlement amounting to $20 million in August 2017, which addressed privacy problems such as the famed “God View” and the May 2014 hack, revealed the implications of Uber’s data security and privacy failures.

How to Claim Uber Compensation

If you want to get compensation for the data breach, you need to join a group lawsuit, also known as a class action. When you do this, you’ll work with a financial litigation partner who handles everything for you. That is us! Your task is just to apply and then wait to get money

Remunzo handles all the hard work. We set up the lawsuit and take the corporation to court for you. Corporations don’t want to pay money easily, but Remunzo will fight hard to get your settlement payout. When joining thousands of others in a lawsuit like this, the corporation is more likely to pay and the settlement payment amount per person i.e. how much will you get tends to be higher.

Remunzo will keep you updated about the settlement status. But you need to be patient because it can take months till the settlement payments are done and you get paid

Quickly check your eligibility and compensation amount with our simple data leak checker. In under 2 minutes, you’ll know how much money you can get and will be able to claim compensation. Give it a try!

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Claim your data breach compensation! Fill out our simple form in two minutes and discover your potential payout.

Impact of the Uber Data Breach on Users

Uber data breaches, especially the one that occurred in April 2023 when sensitive driver data was leaked, had a big impact on users. Awareness was raised among users regarding the vulnerability of their personal information. This worried drivers about identity theft and fraud as data like Social Security numbers was exposed. Uber and its law firm haven’t said how many drivers were affected exactly, leaving many users uncertain about how much of their data was compromised.

There have been several Uber privacy leaks over the years, shaking users’ trust. These breaches aren’t just about individual users; they show broader issues with how Uber handles data security. The 2022 Uber data leak involving a third-party vendor not only affected Uber users but also employees and partners. This highlights the need for better security measures in the ride-sharing industry, and not only, to protect everyone’s information.

With sensitive data like names, emails, and phone numbers exposed, users are put at risk of identity theft, scams, and privacy invasion. The stolen information can be used by bad people for crimes like impersonation and fraud, causing money loss and harm to the reputation of both users and linked organizations. A 2022 Varonis survey indicates that only 7 out of 1,000 American survey participants trust rideshare services like Uber. After the Uber breach of privacy incidents, users became more careful and thought about how much they used the platform. This shows how data breaches can affect people and the whole system in the digital world.

Uber’s Response and Changes in Data Security

In response to data breaches, Uber has taken significant steps to improve data security and rebuild user trust. The company appointed a new Chief Security Officer to oversee and improve data security practices. The company further enhanced regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities and prevent future breaches. These responses reflect Uber’s commitment to strengthening its data protection measures and demonstrating its dedication to safeguarding user information.

Uber’s measures align with the importance of a company’s response to data breaches in ensuring user safety and data protection. The company’s CEO said in a blog post: “We are changing the way we do business, putting integrity at the core of every decision we make and working hard to earn the trust of our customers.” This shows Uber’s efforts are not only aimed at preventing future Uber hacks but also signify a broader commitment to user trust and privacy.

Uber’s actions, aside from providing settlements, showcase a commitment to user safety. Beyond potential financial litigation, Uber implemented safety features to prevent similar incidents and made structural changes to enhance overall data security. Uber’s responses reflect an industry trend where companies are recognizing the significance of user data protection and taking measures to build and maintain user trust.

Future Implications and Impact on the Industry

Data breaches in the ride-sharing industry have far-reaching consequences, impacting user trust, business practices, and regulatory scrutiny. Uber’s response to data breaches, particularly the December 2016 incident, serves as a crucial example, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures across the industry. The decision to pay hackers $100,000 and keep the incident under cover raised concerns about transparency and ethical practices. The subsequent revelation of the incident led to the resignation of Chief Security Officer Joe Sullivan, who faced charges related to obstruction of justice and wire fraud.

Uber faced a major problem in the past when it was revealed employees were using a tool called “God View” to track users without their permission. According to a Forbes article, Uber allegedly allowed misuse of sensitive information, such as stalking users for the amusement of party-goers. This scandal forced the ride-sharing industry to rethink how it handles data.

Now, companies are working to be more transparent, accountable, and ethical in their use of user information. This change is not just a reaction; it’s a smart move to regain user trust and avoid legal problems. The focus is on keeping user data secure and respecting privacy, making sure users feel safe when using these services.

Other Famous Incidences of Privacy Breaches

Uber is not the only one that had its data stolen. Hundreds of other companies have faced or will face data breaches in the future. Therefore, we strongly suggest using our Compensation Calculator. This tool will help you find out how many compensation claims you are eligible for and how much money you might get—and we can help you easily get it.

Conclusion

In summary, Uber’s 2016 data breach, kept secret for over a year, compromised the personal information of 57 million users and drivers globally, raising concerns about privacy and security. Legal proceedings and settlements highlighted the severity of the breaches, with fines and the need for improved transparency. Uber responded by appointing a new Chief Security Officer and implementing stricter security measures, emphasizing a commitment to user trust and privacy. These actions underscore the importance of companies prioritizing data protection and user safety in today’s digital landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to minimize or prevent Data breach impact?

Using virtual payment cards with spending limits and unique email addresses for different services can greatly reduce the risks of data breaches. Disposable virtual cards protect your financial details, while custom email addresses (like “yourname+service@gmail.com”) help identify compromised services. These strategies add security layers, minimizing the impact of breaches on your personal and financial data.

What to do after a data breach?

In case of a data breach, promptly change your passwords on the affected accounts, making them strong and unique. Activate two-factor authentication for added security. Monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any unusual activity. Alert your bank or credit card provider about potential fraud. Be cautious of phishing scams following the breach and consider a credit freeze. Finally, report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

What is a Data breach notice?

A data breach notice is an official alert sent by an organization to individuals whose personal data, including potentially compromised passwords, may have been exposed in a security breach. Such a notice can often follow warnings from services like Apple or Google indicating that “this password appeared in a data leak.” It details the nature of the breach, affected data types, potential risks, and the organization’s remedial actions. The notice advises on protective measures, such as changing passwords and monitoring credit reports to mitigate harm.

Can I sue, and how to join a class action lawsuit?

Yes, you can sue for a data breach. With Remunzo, joining an active class action lawsuit is easy. Check your eligibility on our platform, and if your case is active, you can join the lawsuit. Remunzo handles all legal proceedings and negotiations for a settlement. These processes can take some time, but we keep you updated throughout. Use our Quick Data Leak Checker to see if you qualify to join and claim compensation.

When will I get paid the data breach settlement?

The time it takes to receive a data breach settlement payment varies, often taking several months after a settlement is reached. Factors like case complexity, number of claimants, and legal procedures affect the timeline. Remunzo will keep you informed about the settlement progress, but patience is key as these processes can be lengthy.

Sources

  1. A Lesson from Uber: Secure Your Non-Production Software Environments [Internet]. Federal Trade Commission. 2018. Available from: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/advocacy-research/tech-at-ftc/2018/04/lesson-uber-secure-your-non-production-software-environments
  2. Buckbee M. Analyzing Company Reputation After a Data Breach [Internet]. Varonis. 2022. Available from: https://www.varonis.com/blog/company-reputation-after-a-data-breach 
  3. Cakebread C. Uber’s data breach was relatively small when compared to the Yahoo hack. Business Insider [Internet]. 2017 Nov 22; Available from: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-uber-data-breach-compares-to-other-hacks-charts-2017-11
  4. Heiligenstein MX. TikTok Data breaches: Full timeline through 2023 [Internet]. Firewall Times. 2023. Available from: https://firewalltimes.com/tiktok-data-breach-timeline/ 
  5. Hill K. “GOD VIEW”: Uber allegedly stalked users for Party-Goers’ viewing pleasure (Updated). Forbes [Internet]. 2014 Oct 3; Available from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2014/10/03/god-view-uber-allegedly-stalked-users-for-party-goers-viewing-pleasure/?sh=18c48ca03141 
  6. Somerville H. Uber to pay $148 million to settle data breach cover-up with U.S. states. Reuters Japan [Internet]. 2018 Sep 26; Available from: https://jp.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKKCN1M62BR/
  7. Uber Newsroom [Internet]. Available from: https://www.uber.com/newsroom/2016-data-incident/
  8. Uber Newsroom [Internet]. Available from: https://www.uber.com/newsroom/security-update/
  9. Uberoi A. Uber Cyber-Attack: a live timeline [Internet]. Available from: https://www.cm-alliance.com/cybersecurity-blog/uber-cyber-attack-crowdsourced-timeline
  10. Wright R. The Uber data breach cover-up: A timeline of events. Security [Internet]. 2020 Aug 31; Available from: https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/news/252488361/The-Uber-data-breach-cover-up-A-timeline-of-events

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