Dell Discloses Data Breach Impacting Millions of Customers Worldwide

Dell Technologies has issued notices regarding a significant data breach that has exposed personal and sensitive information of an estimated 49 million global customers. The computer giant first alerted customers on May 9th that an unauthorized party had gained access to a Dell system containing restricted customer data related to product purchases.

According to reports, the compromised data included customer names, physical addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, as well as hardware and warranty details tied to customer orders and service requests. Disturbingly, some of the breached data also contained pictures apparently uploaded by customers for technical support purposes, with metadata exposing precise GPS coordinates of where the photos were taken.

Dell initially downplayed the incident, stating the breach did not involve highly sensitive information and posed little risk. However, it has now come to light that a separate Dell portal was also compromised, leading to additional customer data being extracted.

An individual using the online alias "Menelik" has claimed responsibility and provided samples verifying the legitimacy of the stolen data troves. Menelik stated he was able to register fake partner accounts to then brute-force access to Dell's customer records.

Independent cybersecurity reporters have corroborated that Menelik had attempted to sell the 49 million customer records on a hacking forum, though the listing has since been removed after an alleged sale.

Dell has acknowledged reports of the incidents and stated it is actively investigating. However, given the breach involves customers across the European Union, the cyberattack is likely to draw scrutiny from EU data protection authorities over potential GDPR violations.

This double data breach represents a massive lapse in cybersecurity protocols for the $92 billion technology firm. As the full scope is uncovered, Dell may face regulatory penalties, legal liability, brand damage and shaken consumer confidence.

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