Cyber Incident Victim: GATE Petroleum Company
Date:
Sep 2022
Location:
United States of America
Summary
GATE Petroleum Company experienced a data breach involving unauthorized access to its computer network, compromising sensitive consumer information including names and Social Security numbers. The incident was detected following suspicious network activity, prompting an investigation with third-party cybersecurity assistance that confirmed the intrusion and exposed files containing personal data. Affected individuals were notified of the breach, which impacted the diversified Florida-based operator of gas stations, convenience stores, and hospitality assets across multiple southeastern states. The company, with thousands of employees and significant annual revenue, confirmed the exposure period spanned several days before containment.
| 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
GATE Petroleum Company detected suspicious activity within its computer network on September 21, 2022, prompting an investigation with a third-party cybersecurity firm. The investigation confirmed unauthorized access to the network between September 20 and September 22, 2022, during which an external actor compromised files containing sensitive consumer information. Forensic analysis revealed that the breached data included individuals' names and Social Security numbers, though the specific records affected varied by victim. GATE completed its review of compromised files to identify impacted consumers and the scope of exposed data before notifying authorities. On November 9, 2022, the company formally reported the breach to the Maine Attorney General's Office in compliance with state regulations. Data breach notification letters were dispatched to affected individuals on the same date, advising them of the exposure of their personal information. The company did not disclose the number of affected individuals or the exact method of network intrusion in its regulatory filing. No evidence suggested public disclosure of stolen data or subsequent misuse incidents at the time of reporting.
Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, GATE Petroleum operates gas stations, convenience stores, and car washes across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The diversified company also engages in real estate development, hospitality management, and construction materials, owning properties including the Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach and Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club. With 2,938 employees and annual revenues of $731 million, the breach impacted multiple business segments under the corporate umbrella. The incident exposed sensitive personally identifiable information critical to identity verification systems, creating potential fraud risks for affected consumers. GATE's response focused on regulatory compliance through official notifications but did not publicly detail remediation efforts or security enhancements implemented post-breach. The company's investigation timeline indicated a 49-day period between breach discovery and consumer notifications, with no reported operational disruptions to fuel services or hospitality operations during this interval.