A cyber-attack on software giant Adobe is likely to shake consumer confidence in cloud computing systems according to an expert from Charles Sturt University (CSU).

 

Associate Head of CSU’s School of Computing and Mathematics Dr Tanveer Zia said hackers have potentially accessed the confidential data of nearly three million Adobe customers.

 

“Adobe has described it as a ‘sophisticated attack’ involving the illegal access of customer information including names, encrypted credit card numbers, expiration dates and other information relating to customer orders,” he said.

 

“Many people rely on Adobe Acrobat products such as the commonly used Adobe Reader, Flash Player and, for developers, Cold Fusion.”

 

Dr Zia maintains that this type of cyber attack is concerning for online users, particularly as Adobe launched a cloud computing service called Creative Cloud last year. 

 

“Such attacks further weaken online users’ belief in the security of cloud systems,” he said. “If Adobe is unable to protect their own users’ confidential information, what assurance can it provide to Creative Cloud customers that their information will remain secure?”

 

Dr Zia is also warning Adobe users to take extra precautions and reset their passwords immediately.

 

“Although Adobe believes the hackers didn’t remove decrypted data the company is warning customers to take precautions when accessing Adobe systems,” he said.

 

“If users have linked their banking details with Adobe accounts, they should monitor their accounts for any illegitimate transactions.”