Epik hack update (plus a video)

According to what I have read and seen the Epik data leak includes credit card numbers, registered names, whois data, whois privacy data, usernames, emails, passwords, failed password attempts, auth codes, etc. Pretty much EVERYTHING a registrar stores on its servers. More on this coming soon…

There is also a video with Rob Monster answering questions about the Epik hack: “Epik CEO Rob Monster responds to the breach of his web hosting company by the hacking collective Anonymous during a live Q&A on Sept. 16, 2021.

Epik sent an update to its customers confirming the hack:

Hello,

We are contacting you to notify you of an urgent security notice. Despite the extensive security practices we use to protect our platforms and customer information, we have confirmed an unauthorized intrusion into some of our domain-related systems.

We have mobilized the full force of multiple cyber security teams to assess the scope of this intrusion. We are taking aggressive action to completely secure and remediate all potentially affected systems, while complying with all applicable laws. As we work to confirm all related details, we are taking an approach toward maximum caution and urging customers to remain alert for any unusual activity they may observe regarding their information used for our services – this may include payment information including credit card numbers, registered names, usernames, emails, and passwords.

At this time, we have not confirmed that your card information has been compromised. As a precautionary measure, you may choose to contact any credit card companies that you used to transact with Epik and notify them of a potential data compromise to discuss your options with them directly. Should you observe any unauthorized activity, please document and report it immediately.

We are notifying you because we consider your privacy and security our single greatest priority. Our mission to provide legendary service to all customers remains unchanged. We appreciate your support as we work through the full resolution of this situation, and we will continue to provide you with ongoing updates as we learn more.

Thank you,

Epik Security Team

And then they sent this:

Hello,

We previously notified that on September 15, Epik confirmed a data intrusion involving its customers’ personal information. Though our forensic investigation is still ongoing, we can now confirm additional details of this intrusion.

What happened:
While we continue to investigate, we believe that on or before September 13, 2021, unauthorized third parties accessed a backup copy of Epik’s domain-side service accounts through one or more non-public servers.

What personal information may have been obtained:
Name, address, email address, username, password, phone and VAT number (if given), transaction history, domain ownership, and for a small subset of users, credit card information.

What we are doing:
As previously stated, we have retained multiple cybersecurity partners to investigate the incident, secure our services, help affected users, and notify you, law enforcement, and other relevant authorities. We are continuing to communicate with relevant authorities and other stakeholders as well.

At this time, we have secured access to our domain-side services and have applied additional security measures to help protect services and users going forward.

In addition, we will offer free credit monitoring until September 15, 2023, for all affected Epik users; more details on this free service will be made available soon.

Additional options for users:
1. Change your Epik password and enable two-factor authentication by visiting: https://www.epik.com/support/knowledgebase/how-to-reset-password-epik-user-password-when-user-forgot-it

2. Call Epik Toll-Free at 800-510-3282 for further information and assistance.

3. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you place a free fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before they open any new accounts or change your existing accounts. This can be done by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus:

Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services or 1-800-685-1111
Experian: experian.com/help or 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-help or 1-888-909-8872

4. Request a free credit report from each credit bureau after placing a fraud alert on your file. Review these credit reports for any accounts and inquiries you do not recognize, as they may be signs of identity theft. If your personal information has been misused, visit the FTC’s site at IdentityTheft.gov to report the identity theft and obtain recovery steps. Even if you do not find any suspicious activity on your initial credit reports, the FTC recommends that you check your credit reports periodically so you can spot problems and address them quickly.

5. You may also want to consider placing a free credit freeze on your file. A credit freeze prevents potential creditors from obtaining your credit report, making it less likely for an identity thief to open new accounts in your name. To place a freeze, contact each of the major credit bureaus using the links or phone numbers above. A freeze will remain in place until you ask the credit bureau to temporarily lift or remove it.

6. Visit IdentityTheft.gov/databreach, for additional resources and help to protect yourself from identity theft or call 1-877-438-4338.

7. Learn more about your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act here.

8. Contact your local Attorney General or local law enforcement to report suspected identity theft by filing or obtaining a police report.

Thank you for your continued support. We will continue to keep you updated.

Epik Security Team