Recent Data Breach: Amtrak Guest Rewards Accounts Compromised

Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, recently disclosed a data breach that has left train travelers’ Guest Rewards accounts compromised. The breach occurred from May 15-18, when an unknown third party gained unauthorized access to a database containing account information.

The compromised data includes a treasure trove of sensitive information such as names, contact details, account numbers, birth dates, payment details, gift card information, and transaction histories. In some cases, hackers even took control of accounts and changed email addresses and passwords to lock out legitimate users.

Amtrak has taken steps to address the breach by resetting account passwords and email addresses for affected users. However, the exact number of impacted individuals has not been disclosed. The company is urging riders to rotate their passwords and implement multifactor authentication to prevent further unauthorized access.

This isn’t the first time Amtrak has experienced a data breach involving Guest Rewards accounts. In 2020, a similar incident occurred where personal information was viewed by unauthorized parties. Stuart Wells, Jumio CTO, emphasized the importance of implementing advanced verification technologies to protect consumer accounts from fraud.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses must prioritize the security of user data by adopting robust identity verification systems. Biometric verification methods are highlighted as an effective way to hinder hackers and illegitimate users from gaining access to compromised accounts. This approach not only safeguards personal information but also serves as a powerful tool in combating fraud.