Ireland’s debt collection agency Cabot Financial hit by cyberattack, data breach
Learn More
Cabot Financial, one of Ireland’s largest debt collection agencies, has suffered a significant cyberattack, potentially exposing the financial and personal information of thousands of customers. The company, which handles debt collection for around 80 credit unions and other lenders such as banks, is working with IT experts to assess the extent of the breach and mitigate its impact.
The attack was discovered on October 4, 2024. The company immediately notified relevant authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC), and the National Cyber Security Centre.
Cabot’s website and some phone lines were disabled following the breach, though the company is gradually restoring services. The attack has raised concerns about whether the sensitive financial information of consumers, including details outsourced by credit unions, has been accessed by hackers.
Data Exposed:
- Names
- Addresses
- Emails
- Amounts owed
- Payment details
- Possibly mortgage balances (as the firm had previously purchased distressed mortgages)
No details are disclosed about the nature of the attack or the number of affected individuals.
The company has reassured customers that it is addressing the matter with urgency and will provide updates as the investigation unfolds. The Central Bank of Ireland has acknowledged awareness of the issue but has not yet commented on the implications for the integrity of Cabot's records or future debt collection practices.
Customers are advised to contact Cabot Financial directly if they are approached by suspicious third parties or experience delays in communication due to heightened security measures.
