Direct Technology Group Blog

Direct Technology Group provides professional IT Support and Network Services for Businesses around Deerfield Beach. Computer Services, Tech Support, IT Solutions and more!

Misconfigured Database Almost Suplexes the WWE

Misconfigured Database Almost Suplexes the WWE

If you’re a fan of the spectacle put on by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., you may find yourself pinned thanks to an error made in some of their databases. This error allowed personal information from three million users to be accessed by anyone who knew where to look.

The information contained in the first database was unnervingly comprehensive, including home addresses, email addresses, and birthdays--and in some cases, the genders and age ranges of children in the household.

The plain text database was discovered by an employee of Kromtech, a computer security firm, named Bob Dyachenko. Found on an Amazon Web Services S3 server, the database had no username or password protections. It is uncertain which branch of the WWE was maintaining this database. Despite this uncertainty, Dyachenko has some suspicions as to its source.

Due to the social media tracking data that accompanied the database, Dyachenko believes that the database belonged to one of the WWE’s marketing teams. The leaked data lines up with the details that the WWE collects from subscribers to the WWE Network, which allows customers to stream wrestling events.

This wasn’t the only database that was leaked, either. The second one--also hosted on Amazon--outlined the names, addresses, and phone numbers of primarily European fans. Fortunately, it does not appear that any passwords or financial information was exposed.

However, the fact that the WWE was collecting information on the ethnicity and age range of their adolescent audience has a lot of security experts concerned. This information was volunteered by the fans as they registered, but the WWE does not offer any explanation of what this data will be used for, beyond sharing it with select (unnamed) partners.

Once alerted to the vulnerability by Dyachenko, the WWE was quick to take down the data, making it inaccessible to outside eyes.

This is not the first leak that has happened on the Amazon servers, either. Other high-profile leaks have been caused by misconfigured servers and the like--which raises an important question regarding your business: is your data as secure as it could be?

While your business may not serve 3 million people, imagine the backlash you would receive if you had left the personal information of that many clients vulnerable. A simple mistake is all it would take to suddenly have your issue broadcast on the news as your remaining clients swiftly jumped ship. Regardless, a similar situation would likely happen in your own company, as your understandably upset customers would most likely seek an alternative in your competition.

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that your data is always at risk, but this is where Direct Technology Group can help. We can help resolve any issues to be found in your IT. Give us a call at (954) 739-4700 to get started.

Tip of the Week: 3 Ways Google Drive Can Boost You...
Will These Gadgets Make An Appearance In Your Offi...
 

Comments

No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment
Guest
Already Registered? Login Here
Guest
Thursday, 07 November 2024

Captcha Image

Blog Archive

2014
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

Mobile? Grab this Article

QR Code
Request a Consultation

Direct Technology Group strives to provide the best comprehensive IT, Computer, and Networking services to small businesses. We can handle all of your organization's technology challenges.

Contact Us
Contact Us

Learn more about what Direct Technology Group can do for your business.

1358 W Newport Center Dr
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442

Call us: (954) 739-4700

News & Updates
Direct Technology Group is proud to announce the launch of our new website at www.directtechnologygroup.com. The goal of the new website is to make it easier for our existing clients to submit and manage support requests, and provide more information about our services for ...