Automaker Giant Stellantis Says Customers’ Personal Data Stolen During Breach
Automaker giant Stellantis says customers’ personal data stolen during breach, raising fresh concerns about cybersecurity in the auto industry. The company, which owns major brands like Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram, confirmed the incident over the weekend.
Image Credits:David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images
According to Stellantis, the breach occurred through a third-party service provider’s platform that supports its North American customer service operations. This means attackers didn’t directly compromise Stellantis’ internal systems but instead exploited a vulnerability in an external partner.
What Stellantis Revealed About the Data Breach
In its statement, Stellantis confirmed that “contact information” was taken. However, the company has not disclosed the exact types of personal details stolen. A Stellantis spokesperson also declined to reveal how many customers were affected.
This lack of clarity leaves many Stellantis customers worried about whether sensitive information such as addresses, phone numbers, or email data may now be in the hands of cybercriminals.
Reports Link the Breach to Salesforce Database Hack
Cybersecurity outlet Bleeping Computer reports that the breach may be connected to a Salesforce database hack. If confirmed, this would link Stellantis’ incident to a broader campaign targeting corporate customer data across industries.
Cybersecurity experts warn that personal information obtained in breaches like this often ends up on underground forums, where it can be sold for phishing attacks, identity theft, or scams targeting customers.
Stellantis’ Response and Customer Protection
Stellantis has not yet provided detailed steps it is taking to secure its systems or protect affected customers. The company has, however, stated it is notifying those impacted. Whether free credit monitoring, identity theft protection, or additional security measures will be offered remains unclear.
For now, Stellantis advises customers to remain cautious. That means watching for suspicious emails, avoiding links from unknown senders, and monitoring accounts for unusual activity.
Why This Breach Matters for the Auto Industry
The Stellantis breach highlights how third-party service providers have become a weak point for many global companies. Automakers in particular handle vast amounts of customer data through dealerships, financing partners, and software platforms.
As vehicles become more connected, the stakes grow even higher. Cybercriminals targeting automakers don’t just threaten customer data—they could potentially compromise critical systems in the future.
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