Heartland Payment Systems Inc.
One of the biggest payment processors in the US, Global Payments, is the parent company of Heartland Payment Systems. Heartland Payment Systems experienced a significant data breach in 2008/2009 at the hands of two Russian hackers who infected their systems with malware and took advantage of SQL flaws. Heartland was significantly affected by the scandal, and as a result, they took cybersecurity seriously and put numerous security measures in place. But they became a little overconfident.
When its payment system was breached and tens of millions of customers' sensitive information, including credit card information, was compromised, it was the target of what is now regarded as one of the most serious security exposures in history. The actual number might have been far higher as well because we are still unsure of the attack's precise scope.
One Albert Gonzales was blamed for the hack since he was later given a 20-year prison term. But it was too late; the harm had already been done. The corporation would have to pay approximately $140 million in damages as a result of the hack, in addition to $63.5 million in settlements with Visa and American Express and an additional $26 million in legal costs.
- Year: 2008/2009
- Damage: 10 millions of customers' sensitive information was compromised
