A major cybersecurity incident is shaking the tech world after a hacking group claims theft of 1 billion records from Salesforce customer databases. The hackers have launched a dark web leak site to extort companies whose sensitive customer data was allegedly stolen from Salesforce-hosted cloud databases.
Image Credits:Ron Miller
The group behind this large-scale breach—known under aliases like Lapsus$, Scattered Spider, and ShinyHunters—has posted a chilling warning to victims: pay up or risk public exposure.
A New Data Leak Site Sparks Global Alarm
Threat intelligence researchers discovered the group’s new dark web platform, “Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters,” late Friday. The site’s purpose is clear — to pressure victims into paying ransoms in exchange for keeping stolen customer data private.
A message on the site reads ominously:
“Contact us to regain control on data governance and prevent public disclosure of your data. Do not be the next headline.”
This marks one of the boldest extortion attempts of 2025, leveraging fear of brand damage and regulatory consequences to extract payments from major corporations.
Global Brands Caught In The Crossfire
The attackers allegedly compromised cloud databases from several high-profile corporations, all using Salesforce’s data infrastructure. Among the confirmed victims are Allianz Life, Google, Kering, Qantas, Stellantis, TransUnion, and Workday.
Even more alarming, the hackers’ dark web site lists FedEx, Hulu (owned by Disney), and Toyota Motors as potential additional victims — though these companies have yet to respond publicly.
Cybersecurity experts say the scale of the breach and the sophistication of the attackers suggest a well-coordinated global campaign rather than a single opportunistic hack.
What Makes This Breach Different
While data leaks are nothing new, this one stands out for two reasons:
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Its scale — one billion records is unprecedented even for experienced threat actors.
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Its target — Salesforce, a trusted CRM provider used by thousands of enterprises worldwide.
The breach could expose everything from customer names and emails to payment data and confidential business records. Analysts warn that such information could fuel future phishing, identity theft, or corporate espionage schemes.
Salesforce’s Response And Ongoing Investigation
Salesforce has yet to confirm whether its infrastructure was directly breached or if attackers exploited vulnerabilities through third-party integrations. In a brief statement, the company emphasized its commitment to security and stated that its teams are “actively investigating potential unauthorized access incidents.”
Cybersecurity researchers believe that API misconfigurations or weak admin credentials may have allowed hackers to infiltrate company databases hosted on Salesforce’s cloud.
Experts Warn Of A Growing Threat To Cloud Data
According to industry analysts, this incident reinforces a growing concern: cloud platforms—while secure by design—remain vulnerable through customer mismanagement and human error.
“Hackers increasingly target SaaS platforms because they’re central to how companies operate,” said one security researcher. “When a hacking group claims theft of 1 billion records from Salesforce customer databases, it’s a wake-up call for the entire enterprise ecosystem.”
The Bigger Picture: Data Extortion Is Evolving
The Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters leak site represents a new evolution in data extortion. Instead of selling stolen data on dark marketplaces, modern hacker groups now run professionalized leak portals, complete with branding, contact forms, and media sections to maximize pressure on victims.
This approach blurs the line between cybercrime and public relations warfare — turning ransomware into a global stage performance designed to humiliate corporations.
What Businesses Should Do Now
Security experts recommend immediate audits for any company using Salesforce or other major cloud platforms. Steps include:
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Reviewing API and admin access permissions.
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Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA).
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Monitoring for signs of unauthorized data exports.
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Conducting third-party security assessments.
Companies should also prepare transparent crisis communication plans — because in 2025’s hyperconnected world, data breaches rarely stay hidden.
As the story unfolds, one thing is certain: the moment a hacking group claims theft of 1 billion records from Salesforce customer databases, it sends shockwaves through every boardroom.
This breach underscores an uncomfortable truth — that even industry giants relying on trusted cloud systems aren’t immune to the relentless ingenuity of modern cybercriminals.
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