In the automated world that is highly dependent on the Internet, it is becoming easier to access personal information. Hackers use sophisticated techniques to breach the systems of big industrial firms and impose threats on businesses. The estimated financial loss for companies for 2015-2016 caused by cybercrimes accounts for about $21 billion (International Cruise Ship Industry, 2017). The world’s leader in vocational enterprise, Carnival Cruise, has ten cruise lines under its name and hosts nearly 13 million customers each year (Security Magazine, 2020). The corporation has recently suffered from a cyberattack, and important information about its passengers has been leaked.
The ransomware attack is one of the most popular ways to obtain large sums of money by getting confidential data. On the 15th of August, Carnival Cruise has reported the detection of technical issues and “download of certain data files” (Security Magazine, 2020, para. 3). The organization was secretive on precise facts regarding the type of information breached and its brands’ names, which were affected. Later, it was revealed hackers could access the data on passengers, lines’ staff, and crew members. Moreover, the documents on financial operations and casino transactions were leaked as well. The customers and workers of brands such as Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Seabourn are on the victims’ list.
Carnival Cruise seems to have severe issues with its online security since this is not the first case of a company’s data breach. In 2019, a similar problem was faced by the organization’s brand, Princess Cruises. The intruders were able to access employers’ email accounts and essential personal information of guests such as ID number, address, health background, Social Security number, and credit/debit card details (Chapman, 2020). In both situations, the corporation tried to provide identity protection services free of charge for its customers and openly investigate the crime.
The problem with ransomware is that it constantly evolves and changes. Thus, it is challenging for organizations to adapt quickly to the advancements on the Web. Carnival Cruise lines reacted too slowly to abnormal activity in their network. They could have performed the timely authentication of digital credentials and periodic inspections to avoid the situations (Security Magazine, 2020). Also, it would be effective to focus on behavior-related authentication so that cruise workers could quickly identify suspicious credential use. Furthermore, Carnival Cruise did not increase its digital security since the first cyberattack. It was ignorant of the apparent issues in data storage and potential danger to its passengers and workers. The company assumed that hackers would not be able to use the obtained information and threaten people. Big firms cannot function without proficient IT specialists and frequent testing using simulated cyberattacks. After the last incident, Carnival Cruise reported to the government officials as soon as it became aware of the issue, revised privacy policies, and worked on enhancing the security level.
Big-scale ransomware brings financial difficulties to industries. People stop trusting such companies, and they lose their reputation. Thus, the cruise corporation is going through a financial crisis since it had to cancel some of its trips starting from 2019 (Chapman, 2020). The scale of the incident is vast and has cost the enterprise a lot of money. For example, Carnival Cruise had to hire different investigation organizations and spend money on strengthening digital security. Additionally, it provided free services to the victims in case of the use of their information. The liner lost its popularity and support in the leisure industry.
To sum up, large firms should pay special attention to online data security. It is becoming easier to access confidential data because of the increasing trend of internet usage and dependence. Carnival Cruise company was hacked several times due to its delayed reaction and ignorant attitude to identity security. As a result, the personal information leakage of affiliated people led to a crisis.
References
Chapman, C. (2020). Princess Cruises: Shipping company caught in coronavirus epidemic discloses data breach impacting guests and crew. The Daily Swig.
International Cruise Ship Industry. (2017). Focusing on innovations in the global cruise industry: Cyber security – is the cruise industry ready? [PDF document].
Security Magazine. (2020). Carnival Corporation hit by ransomware.