Identity Theft On PortTix Website

A hacker who attacked a website called PortTix resulted in theft of credit card information of around 2,000 people who tried to buy tickets through the website. This incident happened during this week.

Executive director of PortTix, Janice Bailey said that the violation was discovered on Wednesday following someone reported that there have been attempts of a possibly compromising the information. The affected people were those who ordered tickets on the site only for the upcoming shows of Jerry Seinfeld and Ian Anderson. Any online buyer of tickets after Thursday was not affected, neither were people who bought the show's tickets over phone or e-mail.

While she assured that the website has been secured and adequate measures were being taken to stop further breaches, she refused to say anything more about the caller. The case is under investigation by the Portland Police.

The online company has already warned its customers and advised them to keep watch on their credit card activities. So far no case of identity theft has been reported.

Investigators are thinking it could be a thrill seeking event rather than any intention to steal private information. This has been picked up by the company from a discussion with the third party. This year has had hundreds of identity theft cases over the Internet. The 'Privacy Rights ClearingHouse' informs about 90 million records of theft of critical information during the year.

Three security breaches occurred in Miami-based firms this year of which the website breach was the largest. The second largest breach affecting 1,695 customers was through CUSO Mortgage Co., in Hampden. However, the actual figures could be much higher.

According to a new law that makes it mandatory for every business organization in Miami to alert their customers of any security loophole from January 31, it is possible that the figures could rise. The law is meant to provide consumers with opportunity to prevent online thieves from stealing their private and sensitive information.

Previously, companies and organizations did not disclose flaw in their systems fearing decline in their market reputation and profits. Breaches were only reported when there was any instance of identity theft.

Related article: Identity Fraud Looming on Users of Facebook

» SPAMfighter News - 9/4/2006