Cyber Incident Victim: AutoNation
Date:
Mar 2014
Location:
United States of America
Summary
Hackers compromised a national automobile retailer's websites, hosted by a third-party vendor, enabling unauthorized access to customer names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and payment card details over a multi-month period. The breach impacted an undisclosed number of individuals, with the vendor removing malicious software, initiating law enforcement involvement, conducting penetration testing, and implementing system monitoring. Affected customers received notifications and complimentary identity theft protection, while the retailer discontinued payment processing through the compromised vendor platform.
| CIA Posture | Motives | Tactics, Techniques & Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Available to members | 1 motive | 1 technique |
| Threat Actors | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0 actors | Available to members | Available to members |
Description
In early June 2014, national automobile retailer AutoNation disclosed a cybersecurity incident affecting customer data processed through websites hosted and operated by its third-party vendor TradeMotion. The breach occurred after unidentified hackers compromised TradeMotion's systems supporting AutoNation's online platforms. Unauthorized actors deployed malicious software designed to capture sensitive customer information submitted through these websites between March 5 and May 2, 2014. TradeMotion detected the intrusion and notified AutoNation on May 6, though the exact method of initial detection remained unspecified in public disclosures. The compromised data included customer names, physical addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and payment card details—encompassing the information necessary to conduct fraudulent transactions. While the total number of affected individuals was not publicly disclosed, the nearly two-month exposure window suggested potentially significant victim impact across AutoNation's nationwide dealership network. The attackers specifically targeted payment card data during online transactions, though the breach notification indicated broader personal information collection.
TradeMotion initiated response measures upon discovering the breach, immediately contacting the Federal Bureau of Investigation to launch a criminal investigation. The company removed the card-capturing malware from compromised systems and implemented enhanced security protocols including penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities. Continuous system monitoring was established to detect any recurring malicious activity. AutoNation terminated all payment card processing through TradeMotion platforms following the breach notification, severing the compromised transaction pathway. Between late May and early June 2014, AutoNation and TradeMotion began notifying affected customers via direct correspondence, providing details about the exposed data categories without specifying individual risk levels. All notified individuals received offers for complimentary identity theft protection services valid for one year. The public disclosure via New Hampshire's Department of Justice website on May 26, 2014, confirmed the breach's technical resolution but did not provide updates regarding the FBI investigation's status or whether perpetrators were identified.