Imagine waking up one morning to find that your name, phone number, and birthday; details you barely think about, are now in the hands of hackers. Not just yours, but possibly a billion others. That is the chilling claim circulating in the tech world after cybercriminals reportedly targeted global cloud technology giant Salesforce stealing what could be one of the largest troves of personal data in history.
According to multiple online reports, hackers linked to a recent wave of ransomware attacks on major British retailers have announced that they’ve accessed almost one billion records from Salesforce.
The criminals claim to have exploited vulnerabilities in companies that use Salesforce software. It is a platform trusted by countless brands to manage customer data.
If these claims are true, the scale is jaw-dropping. Personal details allegedly stolen include names, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and loyalty program information. Experts warn that even this kind of information is enough to fuel phishing scams and identity theft on a massive scale.
Who was hit? From Disney to Toyota
The hackers allege that their loot includes customer data from some of the world’s most recognisable companies Adidas, Cisco, Disney, Google, IKEA, Pandora, Toyota, and several others. Many of these brands rely on Salesforce for handling millions of customer interactions daily making them prime targets for criminals hunting for large data pools.
Salesforce itself hasn’t confirmed any breach yet, but the claims have set off alarms across the cybersecurity world. If even part of the information turns out to be real, the implications could be enormous; not just for corporations but for ordinary users who trusted these brands with their personal data.
A familiar foe: The LAPSUS$ connection
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard such chilling news. The group allegedly behind the Salesforce-linked attacks is believed to be an offshoot of the LAPSUS$ cybercrime network, the same shadowy organization responsible for hacking major companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Okta in previous years.
Security experts tracking this splinter group, reportedly designated UNC6040 by Google’s Threat Intelligence team, say they specialize in social engineering, the art of tricking people rather than systems. Instead of cracking codes, they manipulate human behaviour, convincing employees to unknowingly give up access credentials.
Earlier this year, the same group allegedly hit Marks & Spencer, the Co-op, and Jaguar Land Rover. These are high-profile British companies that rely heavily on online services and digital customer management systems.
Everyone is vulnerable
Let’s be honest. Most of us live online now. We shop, bank, book appointments, and even store medical results digitally. That means countless pieces of our personal information are scattered across dozens of apps, websites, and platforms.
The hard truth? Every one of those digital trails could be a potential entry point for cybercriminals. And while we like to believe our data is safe with “big brands”, even the most advanced systems are only as strong as their weakest link.
The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has warned of the growing risks linked to users’ digital footprints, noting that more than 1.4 billion accounts are hacked globally each month. The council stressed that every login, post, or online interaction leaves a trace that can be… pic.x.com/49sZOUPJ9o
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) September 14, 2025
Different services hold different pieces of your identity. Your gaming account might store your username and email; your health app might know your medical history; your bank, of course, knows everything else. When hackers get access to even one part of this puzzle, they can combine it with data from other breaches slowly building a full picture of your life.
How hackers use your data
So, what exactly do criminals do with this mountain of stolen information? The short answer: a lot.
Every name, email, and phone number has a price on the dark web. Cybercriminals sell this data in bulk, sometimes for just a few dollars per person, to scammers who use it for targeted phishing campaigns. A realistic-looking email from your “bank” or “insurance provider” can trick even cautious users into revealing more sensitive details.
Security researchers estimate that 97% of cyberattacks are financially motivated. However, not every breach is about money. Some hackers release data simply to embarrass a company, make a political point, or even seek revenge.
What’s more worrying is how long it can take for victims to find out.
According to one cybersecurity report, the median time to detect a breach is five days, but in many cases, it can take weeks or even months before the public is informed.
What you can do to stay safe
A breach at a company you’ve interacted with doesn’t necessarily mean your personal data was compromised. But it’s best to assume the worst and act fast. Here’s how:
1. Change your passwords immediately
If you reuse passwords across websites (and most people do), now is the time to stop. Create strong, unique passwords for every account and update them regularly. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) makes a huge difference. Even if hackers get your password, they can’t log in without the second verification code often sent to your phone or generated by an app.
2. Monitor your accounts closely
High time you keep an eye on everything. Check your bank statements, credit cards, digital wallets. And if you notice strange transactions no matter how small, report them immediately. Many banks and apps have built-in fraud protection systems. But at the end of the day, the first line of defense is obviously your vigilance.
3. Use an identity protection service
If you have not considered signing up for an identity monitoring service, just do it. These services track if your personal information like your Social Security number, phone number, or email appears on dark web forums. Some of them even offer insurance and recovery support just in case you become a victim of identity theft.
What this means for all of us
Our digital footprints are expanding every day. From smart home devices and online shopping accounts to healthcare portals and food delivery apps, we are everywhere. Each click, each sign-up, each “I agree” adds another thread to the web of our online identity. Sigh!
Experts warn that when it comes to human error, even companies with advanced security tools are still vulnerable. Social engineering, phishing emails or even a single employee falling for a fake login page; all these can give hackers the keys to entire databases.
The alleged Salesforce breach has already reignited global debates. People have started discussing cloud security and privacy regulation. Governments are very likely to demand stricter compliance checks. And in the meantime, companies will face increasing pressure to prove that their systems can safeguard consumer trust.
But for the everyday internet user, the takeaway is clear. Your personal data is valuable. Treat it like gold.
Because in the digital world, information is currency, and in the wrong hands, that currency can cost you more than money.