What You Need to Know
Panasonic Avionics Corporation experienced a data breach in December 2022, compromising personal and potentially health information of an unspecified number of individuals, including names, contact details, dates of birth, medical information, financial account numbers, employment status, and government identifiers.
- Company Name: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
- Date Filed: Last week from the article’s publication (specific date not provided)
- Number of People Affected: Unknown
- Data Breached: Names, contact details (email address, mailing address, telephone number), dates of birth, medical and health insurance information, financial account numbers, company employment status, government identifiers (Social Security numbers)
Who’s Affected & What Data Was Breached
Affected Customers
The specific number of individuals affected by the Panasonic Avionics Corporation data breach has not been disclosed. The breach impacted a subset of employees and business customers.
Compromised Data
The data accessed by the attacker(s) includes names, contact details (email addresses, mailing addresses, telephone numbers), dates of birth, medical and health insurance information, financial account numbers, company employment status, and government identifiers, such as Social Security numbers. Panasonic has not found evidence that the accessed data was misused.
Overview of the Panasonic Data Breach
Initial Discovery
Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a key provider of in-flight entertainment and communications systems, reported a data breach resulting from a cyberattack that initially occurred around December 14, 2022. The breach was not made public until later, when Panasonic undertook the necessary steps to investigate the issue.
Breach Notification
It wasn t until December 30, 2022, that Panasonic realized there was an issue potentially impacting systems within their corporate network. The company then filed data breach notification letters with the Office of California’s Attorney General in the following week, indicating a commitment to transparency and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Investigation and Impact
Upon discovering the breach, Panasonic immediately began a thorough investigation to understand the extent of the incident and the specific personal information compromised. They enlisted cybersecurity and forensics experts to assist in the probe, aiming to determine the exact data affected and to identify the individuals connected to that information.
Information Exposed
The breach led to unauthorized access to a variety of personal and sensitive data. This included names, contact details, dates of birth, medical and health insurance information, financial account numbers, employment status, and government identifiers such as Social Security numbers.
No Evidence of Misuse
While significant personal and health information was exposed during the breach, Panasonic has not found any evidence suggesting that this information has been misused since the incident occurred. The company continues to monitor the situation closely.
Measures Taken
To mitigate risks to those affected, Panasonic is providing 24 months of complimentary identity and credit monitoring services through the company Kroll. Individuals are being advised to stay vigilant and to monitor their credit reports for signs of unauthorized activity.
Limited Impact Confirmed
A spokesperson for Panasonic Avionics Corporation stated that the breach was limited to a certain amount of employee and business customer data. The company assured that none of its in-flight entertainment systems, connectivity services, digital solutions, or maintenance operating systems were compromised and that Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s operations continued without interruption.
Company Profile
Panasonic Avionics reach in the industry is extensive, with their in-flight entertainment solutions installed on over 15,000 commercial aircraft and more than 3,780 airplanes offering Panasonic Avionics satellite Wi-Fi connectivity. Their services are used by more than 200 airlines, constituting about 70% of the worldwide fleet equipped with in-flight entertainment systems.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation Overview
Core Business
Panasonic Avionics Corporation specializes in the design and manufacturing of in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) systems. Their products and services can be found in the cabins of many airlines, improving passenger experiences during flights.
Customer Base
The company serves a global customer base primarily consisting of commercial airlines. Over 200 airlines around the world use Panasonic Avionics Corporation s system to enhance their passengers’ in-flight comfort and entertainment options.
In-flight Entertainment (IFE) Systems
Their IFE systems are renowned for providing a wide range of entertainment options. Passengers can enjoy movies, music, games, and other multimedia content tailored to suit diverse tastes.
Connectivity Solutions
Additionally, the corporation provides satellite Wi-Fi connectivity to airlines, allowing passengers to stay connected to the internet while flying. This service elevates the in-flight experience by offering continuous access to email, social media, and streaming services.
Digital Services
Panasonic Avionics Corporation also supports airlines with digital services. These services can include software solutions for customer management, analytics to optimize service offerings, and other technology designed to streamline airline operations.
Market Presence
Their products are installed on more than 15,000 commercial airplanes, which demonstrates the company’s significant presence in the avionics industry and reflects their market dominance in IFEC solutions.
Focus on Innovation
The company is known for being at the forefront of innovation within the airline industry, investing in the latest technology to ensure airline partners can offer cutting-edge services to their passengers.
Commitment to Airline Operations
Despite the data breach, Panasonic Avionics Corporation maintains that there has been no impact on the in-flight entertainment systems, connectivity solutions, maintenance operating systems, or the overall operations of the airlines they serve. This commitment underlines their focus on reliability and service continuity for their clientele.