Uber, which is probing a recent breach of its computer network, gave further updates on its ongoing investigation, saying, among other things, there is no evidence sensitive user data (such as trip history) was accessed during the hack.
A screen displays the company logo for Uber Technologies Inc at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York. (Reuters/Used only for representation)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
“All of our services including Uber, Uber Eats, Uber Freight, and the Uber Driver app are operational. As we shared yesterday, we have notified law enforcement,” the company said in a tweet, adding that all of its internal software tools that it took down as a precaution are being restored.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
The ‘cybersecurity incident’ occurred on Thursday, prompting the ride-hailing service to launch a response.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
The ‘cybersecurity incident’ occurred on Thursday, prompting the ride-hailing service to launch a response.
{{/usCountry}}
In a report, The New York Times said it was contacted by an individual who claimed to be the hacker, adding that the alleged hacker sent screenshots of internal Uber systems to the newspaper to demonstrate his access.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
“I announce I am a hacker and Uber has suffered a data breach,” read a message delivered to the San Francisco-based aggregator's staff shortly before the company shut down Slack, its internal message service.
How was Uber's computer network hacked?
The person, who told NYT he is 18 years old, said he posed as a corporate information technology person and sent a text message to an Uber employee. This worker was persuaded to handover a password, allowing the hacker to breach Uber's systems.
The 2016 hack
In 2016, the firm paid $100,000 to hackers who stole information from 57 million driver and rider accounts. It was able to keep the breach secret for more than a year. The incident resulted in Joe Sullivan, Uber's then top security executive, being fired from the job.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Later, Sullivan's lawyers argued he was ‘scapegoated’, adding that other employees were, in fact, responsible for the hack.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
