1. Massive Data Breaches At Facebook, Marriott Unnerve Industry
Facebook disclosed in September that hackers had exploited a vulnerability in the social media giant's code to potentially take over nearly 50 million people's accounts. The Menlo Park, Calif.-based company said the vulnerability allowed threat actors to steal Facebook access tokens, which they could use to take over people's accounts.
Two months later, Marriott International disclosed that password numbers and payment card information have been compromised due to a breach of the Starwood guest reservation database. The hotel chain determined that the information accessed includes data on as many as 500 million guests who had made a reservation at a Starwood property.
Reuters reported in December that hackers behind the breach left clues suggesting they were working for a Chinese government intelligence gathering operation. A Chinese foreign affairs spokesman said relevant departments will carry out investigations into the matter if they are offered evidence.
