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Hacker Publishes 2TB of Data from Cayman National Bank (twitter.com)

1549 points by andruby · 2522 days ago · 468 comments on HN

Article summary

A hacker has published 2TB of data from Cayman National Bank, with the hack reportedly occurring in 2016. The hacker exploited a vulnerability in the bank's Sonic Wall VPN and used zmap to scan for vulnerable devices. The hack gave the hacker full access to the bank's network, including domain admin credentials. The hacker's methods and motivations are discussed in a translated guide and other write-ups.

Main themes

  • bank hacking
  • VPN vulnerability
  • data breach
  • hacker motivations
  • security best practices

What commenters say

  • The hack was made possible by a single layer of defense, highlighting the need for more robust security measures.
  • A thorough security audit and pentest could have prevented the breach, but may not have caught all vulnerabilities.
  • The hacker's use of a Sonic Wall VPN exploit and zmap scanning was a key factor in the success of the breach.
  • The breach was likely caused by a combination of technical and human factors, including inadequate security practices and potential phishing or social engineering.
  • Pentesters should not be expected to drop 0-days, but rather to identify and report vulnerabilities.
  • A security architect or expert should review network architecture and ensure best practices are followed to prevent similar breaches.
  • Firing employees or vendors may not be an effective response to a breach, and instead, organizations should focus on improving their security practices and procedures.
  • The hacker's actions and motivations, including the publication of data and the use of hacking as a form of activism, are a subject of debate and discussion.