Data Breach 2020: How Many Times Has Carnival Corporation Been Hit?

Carnival Corporation and other cruise lines have been recent targets of hacking and data breaches. Customers or employees of Carnival may have had their personal information exposed.

What Is the Most Recent Carnival Corporation Data Breach?

Carnival Corporation has been the subject of multiple data breaches over the past several years. The most recent Carnival Corp. data breach occurred in August 2020, when a ransomware attack compromised the corporation’s technology systems and potentially accessed guest and employee data.

The breach was detected on August 15, when Carnival security teams discovered that some of the brand’s information technology systems had been accessed and encrypted. Some of the company’s data files were also downloaded during the attack. Upon learning of the data breach, Carnival Corporation informed the authorities and opened an investigation into the breach.

Although the breach was discovered on August 15, it is unknown how long the thieves had access to Carnival’s files. In many data breach cases, it may take weeks, months, or even years before these attacks are discovered and stopped. During the time prior to discovering these attacks, the thieves may have access to all kinds of sensitive information.

Often, these breaches are caused by ransomware attacks. A ransomware attack is an attack where a third-party gains access to sensitive files or systems and then encrypts them, making them inaccessible to the company they are attacking. In exchange for unencrypting these systems or files and releasing them back to the company they belong to, the thieves demand a ransom. In many cases, it is unknown whether the thieves have gained access to the information they are holding hostage, or if they have simply made it inaccessible.

What Data Was Exposed?

In the announcement of the breach, Carnival stated that it was expected that guest and employee information could have been accessed. Although Carnival has not explicitly commented on the types of passenger or employee information that was compromised by the data breach, it is likely that the Carnival Corp. attack may have exposed the personal or financial information of these individuals.

People who have taken cruises through Carnival Corp. or who have spent money at one of the company’s brands may be at risk of their information being leaked. Information that could potentially be compromised includes names, addresses, social security numbers, passport numbers, driver’s license information, credit card information, and information related to health. This information may be used to steal identities, commit credit card fraud, or commit other crimes.

Has Carnival Been Hit with Other Data Breaches?

Over the past several years, Carnival has been hit with multiple data breaches. In March 2020, SC Media noted the company disclosed to the public that it had been hit with a potential breach in May 2019. This breach was discovered after multiple deceptive emails were sent to employees.

These emails were sent as part of a phishing scheme, which encourages unknowing recipients to open links that allow the sender to take control of their computer or access their personal files. These emails may have made it possible for a third-party to gain access to employee account details, as well as personal data such as names, social security and passport numbers, and credit card information.

Can Carnival Passengers Protect Themselves?

If you are a Carnival Corporation passenger or employee, there may be steps you can take to prevent your personal information from being stolen or accessed. First, you may want to keep an eye on your credit report and watch for any new cards or lines of credit that you have not opened. This may be the first sign that your identity has been stolen. If this happens, you may be able to put an alert on your credit report that your personal data has been compromised.

Carnival Corporation is offering free credit monitoring and ID protection services to customers and employees potentially affected by the recent breaches. In addition to taking advantage of these services, you may also be able to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal options.

Can You File a Carnival Corporation Data Breach Lawsuit?

According to Forbes and data breach statistics, breaches have impacted over 4 million records in 2019 alone. Consumers who have had their credit card information exposed by a data breach may be able to file a class action lawsuit against the company that failed to protect their personal information. Previous lawsuits have been filed by consumers who had their financial or health information exposed by hospital data breaches, in addition to those affected by data breaches at retailers or cruise lines.

Free Carnival Cruise Line Data Breach Class Action Lawsuit Investigation Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked for or traveled on a Carnival Corp. cruise lines, your personal information may have been compromised in this ransomware attack and you may qualify to join this Carnival Cruise Line Data Breach Class Action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.