Comcast Cable Communications LLC Reports Significant Data Breach Affecting Millions

Update Jan 2024

Comcast Faces Class Action Lawsuits Over 2023 Xfinity Data Breach

In December of 2023, Comcast-owned telecommunications company, Xfinity, found itself at the center of a massive data breach that sent shockwaves through the tech world. This breach compromised the personal information of nearly 36 million individuals, raising concerns about cybersecurity and the protection of sensitive data. As a result, multiple

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Date of Report: December 18, 2023

Entity: Comcast Cable Communications LLC

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Office of the Maine AG: Consumer Protection: Privacy, Identity Theft and Data Security Breaches

Office of the Maine Attorney General

Introduction

Comcast Cable Communications LLC, a major player in the telecommunications industry, has reported a substantial data breach. This incident has affected millions of individuals, including a significant number of Maine residents, highlighting the growing concerns over data security in large corporations.

Breach Overview

• Type of Breach: The incident was classified as an external system breach, indicating hacking.
• Affected Individuals: The breach impacted a staggering 35,879,455 people, including 50,782 Maine residents.
• Breach Occurrence: The breach occurred between October 16 and October 19, 2023.
• Discovery Date: The breach was discovered on December 6, 2023.

Notification and Response

• Notification Type: Comcast provided a substitute notice to the affected consumers.
• Notification Date: The consumers were notified on December 18, 2023.
• Previous Incidents: Notably, this is not the first breach Comcast has reported in recent times, with a previous notification dated December 5, 2022.
• Identity Theft Protection Services: Interestingly, Comcast did not offer identity theft protection services to the affected individuals.

Implications and Concerns

The breach's scale is alarming, especially considering the sensitive nature of the data typically held by telecommunications companies. The lack of identity theft protection services offered raises questions about the company's approach to consumer protection post-breach.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Comcast's report to the Maine Attorney General's Office, as required by law, indicates compliance with state regulations regarding data breaches. The notification to consumer reporting agencies, given the number of affected Maine residents, aligns with legal obligations.

Consumer Impact

The breach's impact on consumers extends beyond the immediate risk of identity theft. It underscores the need for heightened awareness and vigilance among consumers regarding their digital security.

Corporate Responsibility and Cybersecurity

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting consumer data. It also highlights the need for corporations like Comcast to have effective incident response plans and consumer protection strategies in place.

Conclusion

Comcast Cable Communications LLC's data breach is a significant event in the cybersecurity landscape, affecting millions and raising critical questions about data protection in large corporations. As the situation evolves, the focus will likely remain on Comcast's response and measures to prevent future breaches.