Big Odido data breach, what does it mean for you and what should you do now?

Data providers & brokers generally don’t have a strong image, whether it’s about transparency, lack of explicit consent or security risks, we see it coming up more often. This time Odido, or rather its 6.2 million users, fell victim to the largest data breach ever in the Netherlands. And yes, that sounds and is intense. But what does it really mean for you?

In this blog, we discuss:

• What exactly happened in Odido’s data breach?
• What does the Odido data breach mean for me?
• How are scammers trying to contact me after the Odido data breach?
• What can I do after the Odido data breach to prevent fraud?
• Doubting whether you have everything set up correctly? Let our specialists look with you!

What exactly happened in Odido’s data breach?

In recent days it has become clear that cybercriminals have gained access to a customer system of Odido & Ben (subsidiary Odido). And not a small system somewhere on an old computer under a dusty desk, but one that contained quite a bit of customer data. So it was data from some 6.2 million customers. That’s about a third of the Netherlands. So chances are good that you, your neighbor and the barista at your favorite coffee shop are among them.

What exactly was captured is actually shopping list of your digital life. Think of your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. It may also include things like your date of birth, customer number, gender and subscription information. In some cases, it even includes bank information and possibly information from identity documents such as a driver’s license or passport. No passwords, no calls and no location data, so that makes a difference. But let’s face it, just your name, phone number and a little self-confidence will get scammers surprisingly far these days.

In short, the real risk is not so much in what happened. It’s in what can happen to that information in the weeks and months ahead.

So be on time and make an appointment at one of our stores near you!

What does the Odido data breach mean for me?

The honest answer? For most people, nothing is likely to change in the coming week. Your phone is still working, your bank account is still there, and your life will go on as usual. But the difference is in what may happen in the coming period. Because your data could be used to target you in a very credible way. Not with a vague spam e-mail, but with messages that seem real. A text message from your provider. A phone call from a “bank teller.” A WhatsApp from someone who knows exactly who you are.

That’s what makes this kind of data breach so insidious. It’s not about direct damage, it’s about trust. Criminals are trying to find an entry point into your daily life. And your iPhone or Android phone is the main place for that. Our specialists often see people come up with problems months later.

Ignorant people click on a link, pass a code or think they are helping someone. Afterwards, they almost always say the same thing, it felt so real.

How are scammers trying to contact me after the Odido data breach?

Many people still think that scams start with a bad e-mail full of spelling mistakes. That’s long gone. After a major data breach like this, attacks become more personal, clever and convincing. Criminals have an almost complete picture of your digital self . This allows them to pose as an organization you trust.

Our specialists especially see these forms increasing after major data breaches:

• Text messages that appear to be from Odido or your bank
• WhatsApp fraud via “acquaintances”
• Convincing fake customer service calls
• Sim swap attempts
• Phishing through links convincing links
• Account recovery fraud

What can I do after the Odido data breach to prevent fraud?

Many people find a data breach like this especially a powerless situation. As if your house has already been ransacked and then someone asks if you might want to put a better lock on the door. That feeling is quite understandable, but fortunately not entirely true!

Right now, there’s a lot you can do to significantly reduce the chances of fraud before criminals try to target you. With a few simple checks on your phone, such as your security settings, two-step verification and SIM card protection, you can make it a lot harder for criminals.

Want to know how you can easily strengthen your online privacy to the fullest yourself? Then read; Conscious about privacy on your smartphone? Read our 11 tips & tricks!

Doubting whether you have everything set up correctly? Let our specialists look with you!

Fortunately, you don’t have to figure this all out on your own. Many people are left with questions after such a data breach. Is my two-step verification right? Is my SIM card secure? Did I use the same password somewhere? What if I clicked on the wrong link? Sometimes it’s just nice if one of our experts take a look with you. Especially if you’ve had suspicious messages or a gut feeling that something isn’t right. In the store, we walk through your most important settings together, check your security and give practical tips to prevent fraud.

The great thing is, we always give you free advice! Feel free to stop by ThePhoneLab, and we’ll make sure you can get back to work with peace of mind.