# Data Breach Exposes 14 Million Shipping Records of Amazon, eBay, and Shopify Customers
Introduction
Data breaches have become a pervasive threat across all industries, and the shipping sector has now joined the list. Hipshipper, a major global shipper used by companies like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify, accidentally exposed 14 million shipping labels containing sensitive customer information.
Unprotected Data and Potential Risks
Researchers at Cybernews discovered an unprotected AWS (Amazon Web Services) bucket owned by Hipshipper in December 2024. The bucket held over 14.3 million records, including shipping labels and customs forms. This data contained a significant amount of personal customer information, such as:
- Full names
- Home addresses
- Phone numbers
- Order details, including mailing dates and parcel information
Cybercriminals could exploit this exposed data to carry out scams and phishing attacks. They could pretend to be trusted businesses and send fake messages using specific order details to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.
Lack of Cybersecurity Prioritization
The exposure of such a large amount of sensitive data highlights the lack of cybersecurity prioritization in many businesses. Hipshipper failed to password-protect its storage bucket, exposing millions of customers’ personal information to potential harm. This incident is not an isolated case; many companies deal with tech products without taking adequate measures to safeguard critical documents.
Steps to Protect Yourself
In light of this data breach, it is crucial to take steps to protect your personal information:
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Beware of Phishing Attempts: Scammers may use the stolen data to create convincing phishing messages. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls that ask for personal or financial details, even if they mention recent orders or transactions. Use antivirus software to detect and block malicious links.
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Watch Out for Snail Mail: Criminals may also send fraudulent letters or invoices to trick you into providing further personal information or making payments. If you receive suspicious mail, do not respond and report it to the company it claims to be from.
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Invest in Identity Theft Protection: Services that monitor your financial accounts and credit report can alert you to potential identity theft early on and assist with account freezing to prevent unauthorized use.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts, requiring a second verification step (e.g., a code sent to your phone or email) in addition to your login credentials.
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Monitor Your Credit Reports: Request free credit reports regularly to check for suspicious activity or unauthorized accounts opened in your name.
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Update Your Passwords: Change passwords for affected accounts and use unique, strong passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.
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Remove Your Personal Data from Public Databases: If your personal data was exposed in the breach, take steps to remove it from the web to reduce the risk of identity theft and scams.
Call for Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
This data breach underscores the need for all businesses to take cybersecurity seriously. Companies must prioritize protecting customer data as a top concern, implementing strong safeguards and protocols to prevent such incidents.
Conclusion
Data breaches are a constant threat, affecting every industry and exposing millions of individuals to potential harm. It is essential to remain vigilant, protect your personal information, and demand that businesses prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard customer data.
