In a concerning revelation, car rental giant Hertz has confirmed a major data breach that compromised the personal data of a significant number of its customers. The breach, which involves sensitive information such as names, contact details, credit card data, and driver’s license information, has raised alarm bells across the affected regions. While the company has not disclosed the exact scale of the breach, reports suggest it has affected customers in various countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, EU, and Australia. This breach is a stark reminder of the growing risks in the digital ecosystem, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
The breach occurred through one of Hertz’s IT partners and dates back to October and November of 2024. Despite discovering the breach in February 2025, the company only finalized its analysis of the incident in early April 2025. This delay in disclosure has led to questions regarding the company’s response time and its adherence to data breach notification laws, especially given the stringent regulations in the EU and US.
What Happened in the Hertz Data Breach?
Hertz’s investigation revealed that the breach was made possible through exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities within the Cleo platform, a third-party IT service provider. These vulnerabilities were exploited between October and December of 2024. The personal information exposed by the breach includes:
– Full names
– Contact information (addresses, phone numbers, etc.)
– Dates of birth
– Credit card details
- Driver’s license information
– Workers’ compensation-related information
The company also indicated that a small number of individuals might have had additional sensitive data exposed, including Social Security numbers, passport information, and Medicare or Medicaid IDs linked to workers’ compensation claims.
In response to the breach, Hertz has worked with Kroll, a data security firm, to provide free identity theft monitoring services to impacted individuals. Customers affected by the breach can sign up for these services, which include monitoring of the dark web to detect any unauthorized use of personal information.
Analysis: What Undercode Says
The Hertz data breach offers multiple lessons on the importance of cybersecurity practices, especially when dealing with sensitive customer data. The breach’s delayed disclosure raises serious concerns regarding corporate transparency and responsibility. While it’s commendable that Hertz has engaged a third party like Kroll to help mitigate the consequences of the breach, the timing of the revelation remains troubling.
In the context of the US and EU, regulations are in place that require companies to notify customers and regulators about breaches within a short window—typically three to four days. The delay in Hertz’s disclosure, which took several months, brings into question whether the company followed the letter of the law. This is especially concerning given the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates quick reporting and has severe penalties for non-compliance.
The breach also highlights the risks of relying on third-party vendors for critical services. In this case, Cleo’s platform became the unwitting gateway through which sensitive customer data was compromised. While it’s common for companies to outsource their IT services, the Hertz incident underscores the need for thorough vetting and continuous monitoring of third-party providers. Companies must assess the cybersecurity posture of their partners and establish clear protocols for incident response in case a breach occurs within a third-party system.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Stricter Security Measures
This breach is a reminder that no company—no matter its size or reputation—is immune to cyberattacks. In an era where data is the most valuable commodity, businesses must do everything in their power to protect it. Hertz’s offer of free identity theft monitoring is a positive step, but it doesn’t absolve the company from the responsibility to enhance its security infrastructure.
While identity theft monitoring services can help mitigate the impact of a breach, the real focus should be on prevention. Companies need to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity, including regular vulnerability assessments, encryption of sensitive data, and a strong incident response strategy.
Furthermore, organizations should foster a culture of transparency. While notifying customers of a breach is necessary, it’s equally important to be open about the steps being taken to prevent future incidents. Clear communication can help rebuild trust with customers who may feel exposed by the breach.
Fact Checker Results
- The breach was caused by vulnerabilities in a third-party IT provider, Cleo, and affected customers in multiple countries.
- Hertz delayed the disclosure of the breach, taking several months to fully analyze the data involved.
- The company is offering two years of free identity theft monitoring through Kroll to affected individuals.
This breach further reinforces the importance of having robust data protection policies in place and maintaining vigilance over third-party services. While Hertz is addressing the issue with identity monitoring, companies must prioritize long-term security improvements to avoid future incidents.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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