The data leak affected an unknown number of customers. Deutsche Bank confirmed on July 7, 2023 in Frankfurt that a security incident had occurred at an external account switching service provider. Personal data was leaked, but the criminals had no access to the accounts, according to the bank. According to the Bonner General-Anzeiger, first and last names as well as IBANs were stolen. Cyber attacks in the banking sector are currently increasing. Victims of data leaks are usually entitled to compensation claims.
Data leak at Deutsche Bank and Postbank affects account switching service
Deutsche Bank and its subsidiary Postbank are the latest victims of a data breach. Deutsche Bank and Postbank are currently informing their customers about a security gap at a service provider that led to the unauthorized leak of sensitive data. What is known so far about the data leak at Deutsche Bank and Postbank?
- According to a form letter dated July 3, 2023, attackers exploited a vulnerability in a service provider's software. It is not yet publicly known which service provider this is.
- A spokesman for Deutsche Bank said that the data leak only affected customers who used the account switching service of both banks in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.
- The exact number of those affected is not yet known.
- According to media reports, the first and last name as well as the IBAN of the bank customers were copied.
- Deutsche Bank emphasized that criminals would not have direct access to the accounts of those affected with this information alone.
- However, you can make unauthorized debits using the IBAN and name. There is also the possibility that unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain additional personal information through emails, calls or messages and misuse it for fraudulent purposes such as phishing and password theft.
- The banks recommend that their customers pay particular attention to their transactions and account statements in the near future. In the event of suspicious debits, those affected should contact their bank immediately.
- You are also advised to act quickly in the event of unauthorized debits that the customer did not initiate himself.
- According to the spokesman for Deutsche Bank, unauthorized debits can be reclaimed by the bank for up to 13 months and the money refunded.
- He was initially unable to confirm whether the affected companies had already reported the data breach, which they are obliged to do under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The legal situation
According to the law firm Dr. Stoll & Sauer, consumers affected by the data leak at Deutsche Bank and Postbank are entitled to compensation. In any case, you have suffered non-material damage. In the near or distant future, criminal hackers may be able to use the stolen data to cause specific harm to those affected. Consumers have lost control of their own highly sensitive data. There may be claims for damages here.
What can those affected by the data leak at Deutsche Bank and Postbank do?
The criminals were able to access important data. Deutsche Bank advises those affected to take two measures:
- Verification of direct debits: There is a risk that thieves will use the stolen data to make debits from the accounts of those affected. Deutsche Bank asks customers to check their accounts for suspicious withdrawals or unusual activity. If unauthorized debits are discovered, they can be returned retroactively for up to 13 months. In such cases, the bank will refund the money. It is advisable to contact the police if there are suspicious debits!
- Be careful with telephone and email scams: Even if the thieves cannot access the accounts of those affected using the stolen data alone, there is a possibility that they can find out telephone numbers using their first and last names and ask for further information when they call. Since they also have the correct IBAN, they can appear more trustworthy than common telephone scammers. It is therefore particularly important that those affected exercise double caution when it comes to emails, people ringing the doorbell, etc. It is always advisable to call the bank yourself to check the issue rather than responding to outside contacts.
What does the case law say on the subject of data leaks?
It’s clear: those affected by data leaks have a right to compensation. Particularly in the case of the Facebook data leak, German courts are increasingly advocating compensation amounts in the four-digit range. Additional support for those affected by data leaks and violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is available from the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which has strengthened consumers' rights through a groundbreaking data protection ruling. The question was when companies have to pay compensation for data protection violations.
The ECJ determined that claims for damages only exist if material or immaterial damage has occurred as a result of a violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (judgment of May 4, 2023, Ref.: C-300/21). Data leaks occur precisely due to the inadequate protection of personal data at companies such as Facebook, Deezer, Twitter & Co. or now at Deutsche Bank and Postbank.
Those affected must expect negative effects in the future, have suffered damage and therefore have claims against the companies affected. Specialized law firms offer legal support here.
Source:
Press portal
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