Philips (News - Alert), a Dutch electronics manufacturer, is officially teaming with the police in regards to an alleged cyber attack that happened earlier this month.
Philips said on Feb. 14 that some of its small websites used for marketing might had been hacked and within an hour of discovery the server was shut down, as reported by Reuters. The electronics manufacturer then went on to say that it was investigating the nature and extent of the information that might have been accessed.
Although Philips has yet to confirm if any personal customer information for company data was threatened, rumors on the Internet are reporting that the hackers, at the time, copied nearly 200,000 email addresses and phone numbers from Philips’ compromised server.
Another website reported that the alleged hackers were named Hacked by bch195 and HaxOr; part of Team INTRA. The rumors also noted that emails obtained by the hackers were reportedly being threatened to be sold online.
“While we are aware that there are claims on the Internet about information obtained, we are investigating the nature and extent of potential information exposure,” said a Philips’ spokesperson on Thursday. “Because of the potentially criminal nature of activity described in the public claims about this event, Philips is collaborating with law enforcement.”
Earlier in January, ABC News reported that cyberattacks were likely to continue to escalate in 2012 due to hacking groups such as Anonymous and LulzSec.
“They are learning from each other,” said Kris Harms, principal consultant of network security firm Mandiant. “Corporations and governments need to recognize (more) break-ins are inevitable.”
Michael Sutton, research vice president at security firm Zscaler, added, “We’re not dealing with a structured entity where it is possible to cut the head off and slay the best. Each attack discussed in the media inspires another wave of hactivist.”
On Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski (News - Alert) told CNET that ISPs and other technology companies need to adopt industry-wide best practice standards to prevent more cyber attacks.
According to CNET, Genachowski’s idea comes after the high-profile attack of two large corporations: Citigroup and defense contractor Lockheed Martin (News - Alert).
“Cyber attacks pose a critical threat to our economic future and national security,” Genachowski said. “If you shut down the Internet, you’d shut down our economy.”