Amazon suffers data leak on the brink of Black Friday

Just a few days before Black Friday, the biggest shopping season of the year, Amazon has been hit by an unexplained customer data leak.
Customers were contacted by Amazon to warn them that their names and email addresses had been ‘inadvertently disclosed.’ It is still unclear as to how many customers were affected by this leak and how it happened in the first place. “We have fixed the issue and informed customers who may have been impacted,” said Amazon in a statement.
“I wouldn’t hurry with premature conclusions until all technical details of the incident become clear,” said Ilia Kolochenko, CEO and Founder of High-Tech Bridge. “Based on the information currently available, it is technically incorrect to call this incident a ‘data breach.’ This rather looks like an inadvertent programming error that made some details of Amazon’s profiles publicly available to random people.”
The firm said the issue was not a breach of its website or any of its systems, but a technical issue that inadvertently posted customer names and email addresses to its website. Although the information leaked was not as serious as credit card information, industry experts still recommend customers to change their passwords as a precaution.
“Unfortunately, even such companies as Amazon are not immune from such omissions,” added Kolochenko. “Our IT systems become more convoluted and intricate every day, inevitably causing more human errors. Amazon’s reaction seems to be quite prompt, however an official statement would certainly be helpful to prevent any speculation and unnecessary exaggeration of the incident and its scope.”
UK data regulator the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – which Amazon must inform of any data breach as part of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduced this year – said it was following the situation.

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Veeam

Mediclinic Middle East Partners with Veeam

Veeam Software announced it was selected by Mediclinic Middle East to modernize its business-continuity facilities and enhance…

OneTrust announces $150m funding

OneTrust recently announced a US$150 million funding round. The capital will bolster the company’s continued growth to meet customer…
Genetec

Genetec recognises data privacy day

In recognition of international Data Privacy Day, Genetec, a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business…
steven hope

Is a passwordless future possible?

Authlogics CEO Steven Hope outlines the challenges with password security and the prospects of a ‘passwordless’ future
steven hope

Is a passwordless future possible?

Authlogics CEO Steven Hope outlines the challenges with password security and the prospects of a ‘passwordless’ future
Barracuda

Barracuda launches UAE Data Centre

As it looks to meet the growing demand for data protection in the Emirates and better serve its Middle East customers, Barracuda Networks, a partner and
Ukraine

New data‑wiping malware hits Ukraine

Hundreds of computers in Ukraine compromised just hours after a wave of DDoS attacks brings down a number of Ukrainian websites
Ericsson

Ericsson launches IoT Accelerator Connect

Ericsson IoT Accelerator delivers a reliable and secure cellular IoT platform that empowers communications service providers (CSPs) and enterprises
Auth0

Auth0 Credential guard detects breached passwords

Auth0, a product unit within Okta, announced the general availability of Credential Guard, a new security feature that helps
Entrust

Entrust enhances remote signing solution

Entrust, a provider of trusted identities, payments, and data protection solutions, has announced that it has successfully completed Common
Scroll to Top