Cybereducation101- Yum! Brands Cyber Attack

Hey Techies!

Hey Techies! 

Today’s notable cyber-attack serves as a reminder of the ever-present cyber threats and the critical need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity. Yum! Brands announced in April 2023 that they experienced a cyberattack in January 2023. Who is Yum! Brands? Yum! Brands includes KFC, Taco Bell, & Pizza Hut. Big brands, indeed. In January of 2023, corporate data became compromised and this affected their customers. This is a common attack that occurs in big companies and the consumers often times remain unaware of their data being infringed upon. Luckily, data breaches at this large of a scale must be disclosed to inform the victims accordingly. During this breach, malicious actors gained unauthorized access to a portion of Yum! Brands' systems, potentially compromising sensitive information. The breach raises concerns regarding customer data, payment details, and internal business operations. 

While the full extent of the breach is still being investigated, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to be aware of their potential risks.
What was the result of this attack? Yum! Brands had to close nearly 300 of their locations in the United Kingdom. There was a financial impact that affected Yum! Brands and forced them to alert customers that their personal data (not linked to a Yum! Brand account) could be unsafe.
Keep up with your data by regularly checking any accounts you have with companies where your personal information is stored. Cyber-attacks can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational damage. It is essential to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard your personal and business information. 

To protect yourself and your data: 

1. Change Your Passwords: If you have accounts with Yum! Brands or any associated services, change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable. 

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This requires a secondary verification step during login. 

3. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit reports, and any transactions related to Yum! Brands services. Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. 

4. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Exercise caution when opening emails or clicking on links related to Yum! Brands. Be wary of any requests for personal information or login credentials, as these could be phishing attempts. 

6. Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your devices, including computers and mobile devices, have the latest security updates and patches installed. Regularly update your antivirus and anti-malware software. 

Yum! Brands is actively working to mitigate the impact of the cyber-attack and enhance its cybersecurity measures. This incident serves as a reminder to organizations of all sizes that cybersecurity should be a top priority. By implementing robust security practices, conducting regular risk assessments, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, businesses can better protect themselves from cyber threats. 

As we navigate the evolving landscape of cyber-attacks, it is essential to stay informed and share knowledge within our communities. Together, we can create a more secure digital environment. 

Thank you for being part of our cybersecurity community.

At a time when cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, it's essential to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to protect your personal information. We recommend implementing safe cybersecurity practices such as using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and keeping software up-to-date, among others.

We also suggest staying up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity news and trends to be aware of potential threats and vulnerabilities. We encourage you to subscribe to and Share our newsletter to receive regular updates and insights on the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Let’s continue to grow our community of cybersecurity techies!

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#stayvigilant