2017 Equifax Data Breach | Estateplanning | Vibepedia.Network

The 2017 Equifax data breach was a devastating cyberattack that exposed the sensitive information of over 147 million people, including social security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. The breach occurred between May and July 2017, when hackers exploited a vulnerability in the Apache Struts software used by Equifax. The company's slow response to the breach and subsequent handling of the crisis were widely criticized, leading to the resignation of CEO Richard Smith and several other high-ranking executives. The breach was attributed to a combination of human error and technical failures, including the failure to patch a known vulnerability in the Apache Struts software. The incident highlighted the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for companies to prioritize the protection of sensitive customer data. As of 2022, the total cost of the breach to Equifax was estimated to be over $2 billion, making it one of the most expensive data breaches in history.