Orange Group Data Breach: 380K+ Data Records Exposed
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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27 February 2025
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13 mins read
Cybercriminals continue exploiting security gaps, risking customer and corporate data!
Did you know? A massive data breach has compromised thousands of internal documents from Orange Group, France's largest telecommunications provider.
The threat actor, known as Rey, claims to have stolen 6.5GB of sensitive data, including user records, employee details, invoices, contracts, and even source code.
This breach, linked to exploited vulnerabilities in Orange's Jira software and compromised credentials, went undetected for over a month. Let's break down what happened, the risks, and what you should do next.
What Happened in the Orange Group Data Breach?
In early 2025, the hacker Rey, a member of the HellCat ransomware group, infiltrated Orange Group's systems. The attack targeted Orange Romania's infrastructure, which remained undetected for weeks.
- The hacker exploited Jira software vulnerabilities and compromised internal credentials.
- Once inside, Rey exfiltrated data over three hours without triggering security alarms.
- A ransom note was dropped on the compromised system, but Orange refused to negotiate.
- The hacker later leaked the stolen data on a public forum.
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Exposed Details
A preliminary analysis of the breach reveals that the stolen data includes:
- 380,000+ unique email addresses from former and current employees, partners, and contractors.
- Customer information, including names, contact details, and partial payment card details (some of which were expired).
- Internal documents, such as contracts, invoices, and source code.
- Sensitive business files related to future project plans.
While some of the leaked information is outdated, the exposure of internal data and active customer records still puts you at risk.
What Are the Risks of This Breach?
If your information was compromised in the Orange Group data breach, you may be at risk for the following:
- Phishing & Social Engineering Attacks – Hackers can use stolen email addresses to impersonate Orange Group and trick victims into sharing credentials or financial data.
- Financial Fraud & Identity Theft – Partial payment card data and customer records could be used for fraud or unauthorized transactions.
- Intellectual Property Theft – The exposure of internal documents and source code could lead to security vulnerabilities and exploitation by competitors or cybercriminals.
- Regulatory & Legal Consequences – Under GDPR, Orange Group could face severe penalties for failing to adequately protect customer and employee data.
What Should You Do If Your Data Was Compromised?
Data breaches don't just affect companies—individuals must act quickly to secure their information!
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check for suspicious activity in your Orange account and associated email addresses.
- Beware of Phishing Emails: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unexpected messages claiming to be from Orange.
- Change Your Passwords Immediately: Update your Orange account credentials and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for added security.
How to Minimize Damage During Data Breaches
Every second counts—if your data has been exposed, take these steps immediately:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords for different accounts to minimize risk.
- Watch Out for Fraudulent Communications that attempt to exploit the leaked data.
- Get real-time alerts if your data is found on hacker forums with PureVPN's dark web monitoring.
Enable PureVPN's Dark Web Monitoring
Here's how you can use Dark Web Monitoring and take action before it's too late:
- Install PureVPN on your device or update your existing VPN app.
- Visit the Members Area to get access.
- Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.
4. Select Add Assets to Monitor.
5. Add your email address, SSN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number.
6. Mention the code sent to your registered number and you’re done.
7. Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach.
8. You can mark the breaches as resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Was the Orange Group breach a ransomware attack?
No, although Rey is affiliated with the HellCat ransomware group, this attack did not involve encryption or demands.
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How do I know if my data was affected in the Orange Group hack?
If you are an Orange Romania customer, employee, or contractor, monitor your email accounts for unusual activity. Orange may issue notifications to impacted individuals.
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Can my data be used for financial fraud if exposed?
Even though some payment data is outdated, cybercriminals can still exploit it for fraud, scams, or identity theft.
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What penalties could Orange Group face?
Under GDPR, Orange could face fines for failing to secure customer data. They are currently cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
The Bottom Line
Not many of us know this, but companies are not immune to cyberattacks. Orange Group's data breach outlines the dangers of overlooked security vulnerabilities. Organizations must strengthen their cybersecurity posture, while customers should stay vigilant against threats.
Take action today, secure your accounts, enable extra layers of protection, and always stay informed about cybersecurity risks!
