The MOVEit Transfer Breach (2023)

The hack that stole data from 93 Million people who had never even heard of "MOVEit".

93 Million+ People Affected

2,700+ Companies Hit

$100 Million+ Ransoms Demanded

🕷️ The Supply Chain

You didn't use MOVEit. But your airline (British Airways), your government (Dept of Energy), and your payroll provider did. When they got hacked, your data was stolen.

☠️ The Hacker: Cl0p

A Russian-linked ransomware group. They didn't lock computers; they simply stole the data and threatened to leak it on the Dark Web (Extortion).

🔓 The Flaw: SQL Injection

A "Zero-Day" vulnerability allowed hackers to send a special command to the database, bypassing passwords entirely.

The Silent Theft

Late May 2023

The Secret Exploitation

Cl0p hackers discover a Zero-Day flaw in MOVEit Transfer. They quietly scan the internet and steal data before anyone knows the software is broken.

May 31, 2023

The Disclosure

Progress Software announces the bug and issues a patch. But for many, it is too late. The data was stolen days ago.

June 2023

The Leaks Begin

Cl0p lists victims on their Dark Web site. British Airways, BBC, and Shell are named. They demand ransoms to keep the data private.

Late 2023 - 2025

The Fallout

Over 93 million people face identity theft risks. Class-action lawsuits are filed. Governments launch investigations into software liability.

Technical Breakdown

1. SQL Injection (SQLi)

The web interface didn't check user input correctly. Hackers typed commands into the login field that tricked the database into giving them "SysAdmin" rights.

2. Web Shells

Once inside, hackers installed a backdoor called human2.aspx. This let them come and go as they pleased, stealing files whenever they wanted.

3. Zero-Day Exploit

This means the vulnerability was unknown to the software maker. There was no patch available when the attacks started.

Consumer Defense: When "They" Get Hacked

You can't patch British Airways' servers. But you can protect yourself from the fallout.

❄️

1. Freeze Your Credit

This is the #1 defense. Since SSNs and payroll data were stolen, criminals can open loans in your name. A credit freeze (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) stops them cold.

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2. "Have I Been Pwned?"

Use sites like Have I Been Pwned? or Mozilla Monitor. Enter your email to see if your data was exposed in the MOVEit breach. Knowledge is power.

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3. Expect Targeted Phishing

Scammers now know your name, address, and where you bank. They will send convincing emails pretending to be those companies. Verify every request independently.

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4. MFA Everywhere

If your password was part of the leak, hackers will try it on your email and bank. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) stops them even if they have your password.

Knowledge Check

Test your understanding of Supply Chain attacks and personal defense.