Data Breaches: How to Protect Your Personal Information with Expert PII Removal
In early February 2025, Grubhub, a prominent food delivery service, disclosed a security breach that compromised the personal information of its users, drivers, and merchants. The breach was traced to an account used by a third-party service provider for customer support, leading to unauthorized access to data such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, hashed passwords, and partial credit card details. While Grubhub has taken steps to mitigate the impact, including terminating the service provider's access and rotating affected passwords, the incident underscores the persistent vulnerabilities in our digital landscape.
For modern businesses regardless of industry or size, the monetary impact of a data breach is substantial. IBM’s latest Cost of a Data Breach report discovered that, from March 2023 to February 2024, the average cost of a data breach globally reached an all-time high of $4.88 million. This figure represents a 10% increase over the same period ending February 2023 and a 26.4% rise from 2018. Over the course of the past decade, data breach costs have risen 39.4%.
With over 25 years of experience in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), analysts at HG have witnessed firsthand the repercussions of such data breaches. When personal information is exposed, it doesn't merely reside in isolated databases; it often proliferates across the internet, landing in forums, dark web marketplaces, and other open platforms. This widespread dissemination can lead to various safety and security issues for those affected.
The Risks of Exposed Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
Once your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is compromised, several risks emerge:
Identity Theft: Cybercriminals can use your personal details to impersonate you, opening bank accounts, applying for loans, or committing other fraudulent activities in your name.
Exposed Assets: Home addresses and assets may be exposed, creating personal safety concerns for family members.
Financial Fraud: Even partial credit card information can be exploited to make unauthorized purchases or to phish for more comprehensive financial details.
Targeted Scams: With access to your contact information, scammers can craft personalized phishing emails or messages, increasing the likelihood of deceiving you into providing more sensitive data that can further expose you and your loved ones.
Reputational Damage: Personal information in the wrong hands can be manipulated or publicly disclosed, leading to potential embarrassment or harm to your personal and professional reputation.
How Hetherington Group Can Assist with PII Removal
At Hetherington Group, we specialize in Digital Vulnerability Intelligence, a service designed to identify and mitigate the risks associated with exposed personal information. Our PII removal services are tailored to help individuals and organizations navigate the aftermath of data breaches effectively.
Our Approach Includes:
Comprehensive Online Assessment: We conduct thorough searches across the internet, including the dark web, to identify where your personal information may have been exposed. We also scan family social media accounts for anything that might have been disclosed that shows a pattern of life or a leak of PII.
Data Suppression and Removal: Utilizing proven techniques, we work to remove or suppress your PII from various platforms and databases, reducing the chances of misuse.
Continuous Monitoring: The digital landscape is evolving. Even though you may be aware of digital exposure, your family members may not. We offer ongoing monitoring services for you and your family to promptly detect and address any new exposures of your information. This includes family members who may share sensitive information online through social media and forum posts.
Personalized Consultation: Understanding that each individual's situation is unique, we provide tailored advice and strategies to enhance your digital security posture. Our white glove service gives you peace of mind that your online safety is our number one priority.
Why Trust Hetherington Group for PII Removal & Monitoring?
With a quarter-century dedicated to OSINT and cyber investigations, our expertise is both deep and broad. We've assisted Fortune 100 clients in navigating complex data breaches, recovering assets, and safeguarding their digital identities. Our commitment to staying abreast of the latest security threats and assessment techniques ensures that we provide our clients with the most effective and up-to-date PII removal and monitoring solutions.
In today's interconnected world, data breaches like the one experienced by Grubhub serve as stark reminders of our digital vulnerabilities. However, with proactive measures and expert assistance, you can reclaim control over your personal information and mitigate potential risks. If you've been affected by this breach or are concerned about your digital footprint, Hetherington Group is here to assist you in safeguarding your personal information and maintaining your security.
