Real estate title firm's lapse exposes data in 885M flies

[TexasTowelie]

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A security lapse at a major real estate title company exposed the bank account numbers and other sensitive information contained in 885 million files.

First American Financial confirmed the problem Friday after it was reported by the blog Krebs On Security. A flaw in an internet application allowed anyone with a web browser to see the confidential data until First American blocked all outside access Friday. It’s unclear if any of the exposed information was scooped up by outsiders with criminal intentions.

“We have hired an outside forensic firm to assure us that there has not been any meaningful unauthorized access to our customer data,” First American said in a statement.

If the 885 million records were harvested, it would rank among the biggest leaks of data on the internet.

Read more: https://www.brownwoodtx.com/zz/news/20190524/real-estate-title-firms-lapse-exposes-data-in-885m-flies/1

[dalton99a]

1. One of many millions of sensitive records exposed by First American's Web site:

(redacted)

[TexasTowelie]

3. Tie that information in with the date of birth and drivers license number and it becomes easy to

commit identity theft. That's a significant security breach.

[at140]

4. Explain something please...

So if my identity gets hacked and the hackers open credit cards in my name, and charge a ton of money, l may never see the bills!

Because the credit cards were mailed to hackers address, obviously. Those bills never get paid. So why should I worry?

[TexasTowelie]

5. If the bills were mailed to the hackers address and never paid,

then it will affect your credit rating. That could affect you down the road if you need a loan to rent an apartment, buy a vehicle, or buy property. You might still be able to get a loan in some circumstances, but it could result in paying a higher interest rate. For short-term loans through a bank or credit union you could be denied and would have to take out a payday loan or car title loan where the interest rates are exorbitant.

In addition, a lot of employers check out the credit ratings of their new employees to see if they are financially responsible and it could result in employment not being offered. In certain government positions and for related contractors, it could also result in the denial of security clearances.

In a number of states, your credit rating may also impact your auto insurance rates and you will be charged a higher premium.

I'm certain that there are other repercussions, but those are a few that I can think of initially.

[lindysalsagal]

2. One more reason I'm glad I froze my credit w all 3 companies

Go to Clark Howard to find out how. Not difficult, and you can thaw it whenever you want over an automated phone line for $10.

[TheBlackAdder]

6. Well, if 885M files are harvested from their web portal, and they don't detect it. Double Fail!

[kimbutgar]

7. I worked for first American title all though college

I used them for my first mortgage and refi. This is the shits.