Panasonic says it has been hit by a data breach

Data Breach
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Japanese multinational conglomerate Panasonic has revealed that it suffered a data breach earlier this month after an unauthorized third-party gained access to its network.

According to a press release from the company, an investigation into the matter revealed that on November 11 the intruder was able to access some data stored on one of its file servers during the breach.

While Panasonic did not include details regarding the attack timeline in its statement, Japanese news outlets Mainchi and NHK said that the third-party had access to its servers between June and November according to a report from The Record.

Additionally, Mainchi and NHK reported that the third-party was able to gain access to sensitive information such as customer details, employee personal information and technical files from Panasonic's domestic operations. However, at this time, Panasonic has yet to confirm or deny whether or not sensitive information was obtained as a result of the breach.

Unauthorized access

Once Panasonic detected the unauthorized access due to abnormal network traffic, the company reported the incident to the relevant authorities and implemented several security countermeasures including steps to prevent external access to its network.

Although the company is conducting its own investigation, it is also working with a specialist third-party organization “to investigate the leak and determine if the breach involved customers' personal information and/or sensitive information”.

We'll likely find out more regarding the data breach and how a third-party was able to access its network and remain undetected for more than four months once Panasonic and local authorities conclude their respective investigations.

Also check out the best antivirusbest firewall and best endpoint protection software

Via BleepingComputer

TOPICS
Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

Read more
How to prevent cyberattacks
NTT admits hackers accessed details of almost 18,000 corporate customers in cyberattack
Ransomware
Atos now says its systems weren't hit by a ransomware attack after all
Code Skull
Casio confirms data of 8,500 people exposed in recent ransomware attack
A computer being guarded by cybersecurity.
Wacom warns users their data may have been stolen in breach
No broadband network
Massive online data breach sees 2.7 billion records leaked - here's what we know
A digital themed isometric showing a neon padlock in the foreground, and a technological diagram of a processor logic board in the background.
Third-party data breaches have become a major security concern
Latest in Security
Hacker silhouette working on a laptop with North Korean flag on the background
North Korea unveils new military unit targeting AI attacks
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
US government warns agencies to make sure their backups are safe from NAKIVO security issue
Laptop computer displaying logo of WordPress, a free and open-source content management system (CMS)
This top WordPress plugin could be hiding a worrying security flaw, so be on your guard
Computer Hacked, System Error, Virus, Cyber attack, Malware Concept. Danger Symbol
Veeam urges users to patch security issues which could allow backup hacks
UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer
The UK releases timeline for migration to post-quantum cryptography
Representational image depecting cybersecurity protection
Cisco smart licensing system sees critical security flaws exploited
Latest in News
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Samsung's rumored smart specs may be launching before the end of 2025
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #1155)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #386)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #652)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)