Security News > 2021 > June > Volkswagen Vendor Exposed Data of 3.3m Drivers
One of Volkswagen's vendors left one of its systems open for nearly two years, exposing the personal data of 3.3 million customers - nearly all of them owners or wannabe owners of the automaker's luxury brand of Audis - Volkswagen America said last week.
The car maker said that the data, mostly collected for sales and marketing, was exposed by a vendor used by Volkswagen, its Audi subsidiary and authorized dealers.
For over 97% of the individuals, the exposed information consists solely of contact and vehicle information relating to Audi customers and interested buyers, including some or all of the following contact information: first and last name, personal or business mailing address, email address, or phone number.
For approximately 90,000 Audi customers or interested buyers, the data also includes more sensitive information relating to eligibility for a purchase, loan, or lease.
A very small number of records include data such as dates of birth, Social Security or social insurance numbers, account or loan numbers, and tax identification numbers.
They've learned that the data that automotive companies have to offer - from customer and employee personal identifiable information to financial data - is invaluable.