Dark Web News Analysis
The dark web news reports a targeted data privacy and consumer security incident involving Macy’s, the iconic American department store chain. A threat actor on a prominent hacker forum is currently advertising the sale of a database containing over 20,000 sets of credentials (usernames and passwords) allegedly belonging to Macy’s customers.
This development follows reports from late November 2025, when the ransomware and extortion group Cl0p added Macy’s to its leak portal. This larger campaign targeted organizations running the Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS), exploiting vulnerabilities to exfiltrate internal corporate and customer data. The current sale of 20,000 credentials suggests that threat actors are now actively weaponizing and monetizing specific segments of the exfiltrated data.
Key Cybersecurity Insights
Breaches of major retail platforms are “Tier 1” consumer threats because they provide the foundation for direct financial loss and automated secondary attacks:
- Oracle EBS Vulnerability Exploitation: The initial compromise was reportedly part of a wider campaign targeting Oracle EBS environments. By exploiting these systemic weaknesses, attackers gained unauthorized access to internal systems, allowing for the mass exfiltration of sensitive files, including customer records and administrative configuration data.
- Credential Compromise & Account Takeover (ATO): The sale of 20,000 verified username-password pairs allows low-level cybercriminals to bypass initial reconnaissance. Attackers can immediately log into Macy’s accounts to access saved credit card numbers (often masked but usable for on-site purchases), reward points, and “My Wallet” funds.
- Password Reuse & Lateral Movement: The most significant danger lies in Credential Stuffing. Attackers will use the leaked Macy’s credentials to attempt access on other high-value platforms, such as banking portals or primary email accounts, where users frequently reuse the same login information.
- Targeted Phishing & Social Engineering: Armed with the names, email addresses, and purchase histories found in the broader leak, scammers can craft hyper-convincing phishing lures. They might send fraudulent emails about a “declined Macy’s Star Rewards order” or a “security alert,” routing victims to malicious sites to harvest further financial data or distribute malware.
Mitigation Strategies
To protect customer identities and mitigate the risk of ongoing fraud, the following strategies are urgently recommended:
- Mandatory Password Reset: Macy’s should immediately invalidate the sessions of all 20,000 compromised accounts and force a mandatory, system-wide password reset. Customers must be explicitly advised to choose unique passwords that are not used on any other website.
- Implement/Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is the most effective defense against credential-based attacks. Macy’s should encourage all account holders to enable MFA, ensuring that even if a password is stolen, an attacker cannot gain access without a second verification factor.
- Compromised Credential Monitoring: Utilize threat intelligence platforms to monitor hacker forums and the dark web for Macy’s-related data dumps. Automatically flagging accounts associated with leaked credentials for additional verification can prevent automated ATO attempts.
- Customer Education & Awareness: Issue a transparent advisory to customers. Warn them to be highly vigilant against unsolicited emails or text messages referencing the breach or demanding “account verification.” Remind users that Macy’s will never ask for their full credit card number or CVV via email.
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