Hertz Data Breach Exposes Driver’s Licenses, Passport Numbers: A Warning for Businesses of All Sizes

Customer information stolen included names, dates of birth, credit card details, Social Security numbers, government IDs, and records associated with workers' compensation claims.

By Jeff Wolff, Founder of Paradigm Business Solutions

A recently confirmed data breach at Hertz Corporation has exposed sensitive customer data, including driver's licenses and even passport numbers. This incident, tied to zero-day attacks on Cleo’s managed file transfer platforms, is a stark reminder that no business—large or small—is immune to cyber threats.

In this case, customer information stolen included names, dates of birth, credit card details, Social Security numbers, government IDs, and records associated with workers' compensation claims. While Hertz assures no misuse of the data has been detected yet, history shows that breaches of this scale often have delayed but serious consequences, from identity theft to large-scale fraud.

It’s not just massive corporations like Hertz, Sam's Club, or Kellogg that face these risks. Small businesses often become easier targets because of limited security resources and slower breach detection.

Early detection is critical. Businesses of all sizes should take these steps to strengthen their defenses:

• Implement centralized monitoring of all systems for unusual activity.

• Regularly audit file transfer and data storage platforms for vulnerabilities.

• Invest in endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to identify breaches early.

• Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and social engineering attacks.

• Maintain off-site backups and robust incident response plans.

Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, exploiting software flaws that most companies don't even know exist. Strong cybersecurity protocols aren’t a luxury anymore—they are a fundamental part of running any business today.

If you’re unsure where your business stands, Paradigm Business Solutions offers a free security audit to help assess and strengthen your defenses. Call 530-410-6500 or visit paradigmitinc.com/free-business-it-audit to schedule your evaluation.