Technology

Grubhub confirms data breach amid extortion claims

Published

2 months ago

January 27, 2026

Grubhub confirms data breach amid extortion claims

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Food delivery platform Grubhub has confirmed a recent data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems.

The disclosure comes as sources tell BleepingComputer the company is now facing extortion demands linked to stolen data.

In a statement to BleepingComputer, Grubhub said it detected and stopped the activity quickly.

“We’re aware of unauthorized individuals who recently downloaded data from certain Grubhub systems,” the company said. “We quickly investigated, stopped the activity, and are taking steps to further increase our security posture.”

Grubhub added that sensitive information, such as financial details or order history, was not affected. However, the company declined to answer follow-up questions about when the breach occurred, whether customer data was involved or if it is actively being extorted.

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RANSOMWARE ATTACK EXPOSES SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AT MAJOR GAS STATION CHAIN

Grubhub confirmed a data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems, prompting an investigation and heightened security measures. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

What Grubhub has confirmed so far

While details remain limited, Grubhub confirmed several key points. It has brought in a third-party cybersecurity firm and notified law enforcement. Beyond that, the company has stayed largely silent. That lack of detail has raised concern, especially given Grubhub’s recent security history. Just last month, the company was linked to scam emails sent from its own b.grubhub.com subdomain. Those messages promoted a cryptocurrency scam promising large returns on Bitcoin payments. Grubhub said it contained the incident and blocked further unauthorized emails. It did not clarify whether the two events are related.

Sources link the breach to ShinyHunters extortion

According to multiple sources cited by BleepingComputer, the ShinyHunters hacking group is behind the extortion attempt. The group has not publicly commented on the claims and declined to respond when contacted. Sources say the attackers are demanding a Bitcoin payment to prevent the release of stolen data. That data reportedly includes older Salesforce records from a February 2025 breach and newer Zendesk data taken during the most recent intrusion. Grubhub uses Zendesk to run its online customer support system. That platform handles order issues, account access and billing questions, making it a valuable target for attackers.

How stolen credentials may have enabled the attack

Investigators believe the breach may be tied to credentials stolen during earlier Salesloft Drift attacks. In August 2025, threat actors used stolen OAuth tokens from Salesloft’s Salesforce integration to access sensitive systems over a 10-day period. According to a report from Google Threat Intelligence Group, also known as Mandiant, attackers used that stolen data to launch follow-up attacks across multiple platforms. “GTIG observed UNC6395 targeting sensitive credentials such as AWS access keys, passwords and Snowflake-related access tokens,” Google reported. ShinyHunters previously claimed responsibility for that campaign, stating it stole roughly 1.5 billion records from Salesforce environments tied to hundreds of companies.

Why this breach still matters

Even if payment data and order history were not affected, support systems often contain personal details. Names, email addresses and account notes can be enough to fuel phishing attacks or identity scams. More importantly, this incident highlights how older breaches can continue to cause damage long after the initial attack. Stolen credentials that are never rotated remain a powerful entry point for threat actors.

Ways to stay safe after the Grubhub data breach

If you use Grubhub or any online delivery service, a few smart steps can reduce your risk after a breach.

1) Update your password and stop re-use

Start by changing your Grubhub password right away. Make sure you do not reuse that password anywhere else. Reused passwords give attackers an easy path into other accounts. A password manager can help here. It creates strong, unique logins and stores them securely so you do not have to remember them all.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

ILLINOIS DHS DATA BREACH EXPOSES 700K RESIDENTS’ RECORDS

The food delivery platform says it quickly stopped the intrusion but has not disclosed when the breach occurred or whether customers were targeted. (Leonardo Munoz/VIEWpress)

2) Turn on two-factor authentication

If two-factor authentication (2FA) is available, enable it. This adds a second step when you sign in, such as a code sent to your phone or app. Even if a hacker steals your password, two-factor authentication can stop them from getting in.

3) Watch closely for phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software

Be alert for emails or texts that mention orders, refunds or support issues. Attackers often use stolen support data to make messages feel urgent and real. Do not click links or open attachments unless you are certain they are legitimate. Strong antivirus software can also help block malicious links and downloads before they cause harm.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

4) Remove your data from people-search sites

Consider using a data removal service to reduce your online footprint. These services help remove your personal details from data broker sites that attackers often use to build profiles. Less exposed data means fewer tools for scammers to exploit.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

5) Ignore crypto messages using trusted brands

Be skeptical of any cryptocurrency offers tied to familiar companies. Grubhub was previously linked to scam emails promoting crypto schemes, which shows how often attackers abuse trusted names. Legitimate companies do not promise fast returns or pressure you to act immediately.

6) Monitor your Grubhub account and email activity

Check your Grubhub account for anything that looks unfamiliar. Watch for unexpected password reset emails, order confirmations or support messages you did not request. Attackers often test stolen data quietly before making bigger moves.

7) Secure the email linked to your Grubhub account

Your email account is the key to password resets. Change that password and enable two-factor authentication if it is not already on. If attackers control your email, they can regain access even after you change other passwords.

8) Stay alert for delayed scams tied to the breach

Breach data is often reused weeks or months later. Phishing attempts may appear long after headlines fade. Treat any future messages claiming to reference Grubhub support, refunds or account issues with extra caution.

These steps will not undo a breach, but they can limit how attackers exploit stolen information and reduce your risk going forward.

FIBER BROADBAND GIANT INVESTIGATES BREACH AFFECTING 1M USERS

Sources tell BleepingComputer the Grubhub breach is tied to extortion demands involving allegedly stolen customer support data. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Grubhub’s confirmation puts an official stamp on what sources have warned about for weeks. While the company says sensitive data was not affected, unanswered questions remain. As extortion-driven breaches rise, transparency and rapid credential rotation matter more than ever. What stands out most is how past compromises continue to create new risks. When access tokens live too long, attackers do not need to break in again. They simply walk back through an open door.

If companies stay quiet after breaches, how can customers know when it is time to protect themselves? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

A rogue AI led to a serious security incident at Meta

Published

5 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Press Room

A rogue AI led to a serious security incident at Meta

For almost two hours last week, Meta employees had unauthorized access to company and user data thanks to an AI agent that gave an employee inaccurate technical advice, as previously reported by The Information. Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton said in a statement to The Verge that “no user data was mishandled” during the incident.

A Meta engineer was using an internal AI agent, which Clayton described as “similar in nature to OpenClaw within a secure development environment,” to analyze a technical question another employee posted on an internal company forum. But the agent also independently publicly replied to the question after analyzing it, without getting approval first. The reply was only meant to be shown to the employee who requested it, not posted publicly.

An employee then acted on the AI’s advice, which “provided inaccurate information” that led to a “SEV1” level security incident, the second-highest severity rating Meta uses. The incident temporarily allowed employees to access sensitive data they were not authorized to view, but the issue has since been resolved.

According to Clayton, the AI agent involved didn’t take any technical action itself, beyond posting inaccurate technical advice, something a human could have also done. A human, however, might have done further testing and made a more complete judgment call before sharing the information — and it’s not clear whether the employee who originally prompted the answer planned to post it publicly.

“The employee interacting with the system was fully aware that they were communicating with an automated bot. This was indicated by a disclaimer noted in the footer and by the employee’s own reply on that thread,” Clayton commented to The Verge. “The agent took no action aside from providing a response to a question. Had the engineer that acted on that known better, or did other checks, this would have been avoided.”

Last month, an AI agent from open source platform OpenClaw went more directly rogue at Meta when an employee asked it to sort through emails in her inbox, deleting emails without permission. The whole idea behind agents like OpenClaw is that they can take action on their own, but like any other AI model, they don’t always interpret prompts and instructions correctly or give accurate responses, a fact Meta employees have now discovered twice.

Technology

Phishing scam exploits Apple Mail ‘trusted sender’ label

Published

5 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Press Room

Phishing scam exploits Apple Mail ‘trusted sender’ label

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Phishing emails are getting more convincing every day. Scammers copy the look of trusted brands and rely on urgency to get you to click before you think. But sometimes the most misleading part of a scam is not the email itself. It is the signal your own email app gives you.

A CyberGuy reader recently sent us a screenshot of an email that looked suspicious but included something surprising at the top. Apple Mail displayed a banner that said, “This message was sent from a trusted sender.” At first glance, that message feels reassuring. Many people would assume the email must be legitimate. The reader sent the screenshot with the subject line “Another sneaky trick.” In the image, Apple Mail labels the message as coming from a trusted sender even though the email itself shows several signs of a phishing scam.

Here is the catch. That label comes from Apple Mail itself, not from Apple and not from a system verifying the email. In other words, a phishing email can still appear trusted. Understanding how this happens can help you avoid handing your Apple ID or other personal information to scammers.

APPLE APP PASSWORD SCAM EMAIL WARNING

Scammers often copy Apple’s branding and use urgent warnings to push people into clicking malicious links. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)

Why Apple Mail may label a phishing email as a trusted sender

Apple Mail automatically adds the trusted sender banner in certain situations. It usually appears when the email address looks familiar to your device. For example, Apple Mail may display the banner if:

The sender’s address is saved in your Contacts
You have replied to that email address before
The address appears in previous email conversations

The feature is designed to help you quickly recognize people you communicate with often. It is meant as a convenience signal, not a security verification. That distinction is important.

Warning signs of a fake Apple account email

Phishing emails often copy the look of real Apple notifications. The goal is to create urgency so the victim clicks before thinking. The email in the screenshot contains several classic warning signs.

Generic greeting

The message begins with “Dear user” instead of addressing the recipient by name. Legitimate account emails typically reference your name or Apple ID information.

Slightly incorrect branding

The email references “Cloud+ subscription.” Apple’s real service is called iCloud+. Small branding mistakes often appear in phishing campaigns.

Urgent scare tactics

The message warns that personal data could be permanently removed from cloud storage. Fear and urgency are common tools in phishing scams.

Payment problems tied to account threats

Scammers often claim a subscription payment failed and your account is at risk. The goal is to push victims to click a link and enter login details. Apple does not send emails threatening immediate deletion of iCloud data because of a billing issue.

Why the Apple Mail trusted sender banner can be misleading

Because the banner relies on familiarity, scammers can sometimes exploit it. Cybercriminals often spoof real email addresses so their messages appear to come from someone you know. If that address matches a contact or previous message history, Apple Mail may still mark it as trusted.

REAL APPLE SUPPORT EMAILS USED IN NEW PHISHING SCAM

That can create a false sense of safety. The banner simply reflects your email history. It does not confirm the sender’s identity or verify that the message actually came from Apple or any legitimate company. In some cases, that visual signal can make a phishing email look more believable than it really is.

The “trusted sender” banner in Apple Mail reflects your contact history. It does not verify that the email actually came from Apple or another legitimate company. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Ways to stay safe from Apple phishing emails

Phishing emails continue to evolve, but a few simple habits can greatly reduce your risk.

1) Avoid clicking links in account warning emails

If you receive a notice about your Apple account, open your browser and go directly to Apple’s official website instead of using the email link.

2) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious links, suspicious downloads, and phishing pages before they reach your device. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Use a data removal service

Scammers often gather personal information from data broker websites to make phishing emails look more convincing. Removing your data from these sites reduces the information criminals can use to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

4) Check your Apple account settings directly

You can verify subscriptions by opening Settings on your device, tapping your Apple ID and selecting Subscriptions.

5) Look closely at branding and wording

Misspelled product names, unusual formatting, and generic greetings often reveal a phishing email.

6) Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection, even if someone manages to steal your password.

Cybercriminals frequently disguise their emails by mimicking legitimate addresses, making it look like the message was sent by someone you trust. (Wei Leng Tay/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Email apps often try to help by identifying messages that appear familiar. Unfortunately, scammers understand how those systems work. The trusted sender banner in Apple Mail reflects your contact history. It does not confirm that the message came from Apple or any legitimate company. That means one simple habit still offers the best protection. Pause before clicking any urgent account warning. Because in the world of phishing scams, the messages that look the most convincing are often the most dangerous.

If your email app told you a message was trusted, would you still double-check before clicking? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Technology

The FBI is buying Americans’ location data

Published

17 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Press Room

The FBI is buying Americans’ location data

Senate Intelligence Committee Hears Testimony From Top Officials On Worldwide Threats

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 18: Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats in the Hart Senate Office Building on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. A closed session immediately followed the hearing. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Getty Images