Careem warns 14 million customers after massive data breach

DUBAI/LAHORE - In a worrisome development, Dubai-based Careem has admitted that the personal data of up to 14 million users in the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Turkey has been stolen in a cyber-attack.

The ride-hailing company Monday stated that sensitive information like customers' names, email addresses, phone numbers and trip history data were stolen by hackers.

https://twitter.com/careem/status/988364213239283713

The company has urged drivers and customers to update their passwords, look out for any unsolicited communication, avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar emails and review bank account statements for any suspicious activity.

However, according to the company, the users’ credit card information remains safe.

"Careem has identified a cyber-incident involving unauthorized access to the system we use to store data. While we have seen no evidence of fraud or misuse related to this incident, it is our responsibility to be open and honest with you, and to reaffirm our commitment to protecting your privacy and data," the ride-hailing service said in an email to customers.

The breach affects all customers and captains who signed up for the service before January 14, 2018. Users who signed up for the service after that date have not been affected, Careem said.

Careem has operations in 13 countries and in over 90 cities.