EUROPE – Hacktivist collective Anonymous claims to have stolen 1TB data, including unencrypted passwords, from Expo Milan 2015’s ticketing provider, Best Union.
If confirmed, it will be the second time the collective has targeted Best Union in the past three weeks.
Best Union spokesperson Luca Montebugnoli told the Corriere di Bologna earlier this month that the business had added seven staff to protect its systems around the clock. “We will resist,” Montebugnoli said.
A Twitter user, which EW understands to be associated with Anonymous, posted screenshots on 17 May claiming to show data retrieved from Best Union’s servers as part of activities labelled #OpItaly.
The tweet translates as: “Here's to those who rely on #Expo virtual security: @bestunion you have been hacked #NoExpo #OpItaly”
A redacted image shows personal data including names, unencrypted passwords and email addresses, but does not confirm whether the data relates to expo ticketholders. Conversations between members suggest 1TB was allegedly stolen.
Based on previous Anonymous activities, the personal data is not expected to be released publicly.
A translated statement from the member said the move was “an attempt to cause maximum economic damage to this revolting organisation”.
It is not the first time Anonymous Italy has targeted Milan Expo 2015 as part of its protest against globalisation.
The group said it brought down the expo’s website in an attack timed to coincide with the event’s opening weekend.
A statement reads: “For the record – the site of the online ticketing service has been out all night on April 30 and several more hours on the afternoon of May 1.”
It concludes: “ps. The inefficiency against Expo will continue! :)”.
Organisers expect 20 million people will visit Expo Milan 2015, from 1 May-31 October.
Best Union is a publicly listed provider of electronic ticketing systems for hospitality and large-scale events. The company has subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States and Middle East.
EW has contacted Milan Expo 2015 and Best Union for comment.
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