Home Depot Data Breach: Get Dark Web Alerts
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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4 February 2025
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12 mins read
One of the biggest home improvement retailers in the US, Home Depot suffered a data breach exposing the private information of 10,000 employees back in April 2024. A threat actor named IntelBroker claimed they attacked and stole personal data on BreachForums, a darknet hacking forum. This guide explains all you need to know about the Home Depot data breach.
What Happened in the Home Depot Data Breach?
Home Depot officials confirmed there was a data breach after a third-party SaaS vendor accidentally released an information sample of employees during a testing. The officials didn't disclose the leaked details; however, they assured everyone that customer data remained untouched. The exposed data include:
- Full names
- Email addresses
- Corporate IDs
What are the Risks of Exposed Data?
The compromised data in this breach can be exploited for different cybercrimes and fraudulent actions. The following list shows possible risks associated with each category of exposed information:
- Full Names: It can be used for identity theft, creating personal messages to trick victims, or public exposure leading to unwanted harassment.
- Email addresses: Send fraudulent emails to steal passwords, send emails including malicious links, and try your passwords on different websites.
- Corporate IDs: Malicious actors can create fake profiles and get access to your accounts.
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What Should I Do In Case of Data Breach?
As such, we recommend taking the following actions:
Full Names
- Be wary of spam calls, suspicious emails, and messages using your full name to impersonate you.
- Don't share personal information online when using Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, or Twitter.
Emails Addresses
- Change your email password and enable two-factor authentication.
- Update security questions and passwords for other accounts using this email address.
- Don't open unsolicited messages or click links in messages from suspicious senders.
Corporate IDs
- Immediately report the breach to your IT team so they can take action.
- Be wary of malicious actors trying to impersonate you and reach out to your co-workers.
- Use a VPN or Google Authenticator to secure remote access.
Social Security Numbers
- Place a credit freeze with major credit bureaus, including TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax to prevent cybercriminals from opening a new account.
- Sign up for free weekly credit reports.
- If you know your social security number was compromised, contact the Social Security Administration.
- Monitor your financial accounts (banks, credit cards, lines of credit, etc) for suspicious activities.
Phone Numbers
- Stay alert for phishing attempts via texts and calls.
- Disregard messages from untrusted sources.
- Avoid clicking on links in unexpected text messages, regardless of the sender.
How to Minimize Damage During Data Breaches
Although there are multiple ways to protect your private data in case of a data breach, cybercriminals are always one step ahead of you. Consider using an all-in-one privacy app that helps you avoid being a data breach victim or reduce damage. You can use PurePrivacy to run dark web monitoring that alerts you whenever someone posts your private data on the dark web.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can you get compensation for data leaks?
Some organizations will accept your data breach claim if it's part of your hiring contract. At the same time, others don't have such options available.
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What was stolen in the Home Depot case?
Home Depot suffered multiple data breaches in the past few years. In April 2024, the Home Depot attack had similar markings, including entry into the private network via third-party vendors.
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How can I prevent dark web leaks?
You should be cautious about your public data roaming around on people-search sites for free that can be used against you. Do not share private details with companies other than your insurance companies or banks. Consider using PurePrivacy to enable dark web monitoring and get alerts in case malicious actors share your data on the dark web.
In Summary
If big retailers like Home Depot can be at risk of data breach or theft, imagine how unsafe your private data can be. We take action and protect what's ours, use multiple authentication methods to secure personal information, and use PurePrivacy on our mobile devices.
