Biostar 2 Breach: What to do

TL;DR

The Biostar 2 database containing fingerprint data and personal information has been breached. This guide outlines steps to check if your data was affected, mitigate risks, and protect yourself from potential identity theft.

1. Understand the Breach

In August 2023, a significant breach of the Biostar 2 database was reported. The compromised data includes:

• Fingerprint templates
• Names
• Email addresses
• Usernames
• Passwords (potentially hashed)
• Security questions and answers

Because fingerprint data is highly sensitive, this breach poses a serious risk. Unlike passwords, fingerprints cannot be easily changed.

2. Check if Your Data Was Affected

1. Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) Website: Use the Have I Been Pwned website to check your email address and username against known data breaches, including Biostar 2.
2. Suprema Help Center: Check the Suprema Help Center for official announcements and tools related to the breach.
3. Contact Suprema: If you used Biostar 2, contact Suprema directly to inquire about your data’s status.

3. Immediate Actions

1. Change Passwords: Immediately change passwords for any accounts that share the same username and password as your Biostar 2 account. Use strong, unique passwords for each account. A password manager can help with this.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA on all critical accounts (email, banking, social media) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
3. Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank accounts, credit reports, and online accounts for any suspicious activity.

4. Protecting Your Identity

1. Credit Monitoring: Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service to alert you of potential identity theft. Several free and paid options are available.
2. Fraud Alerts: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). This requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can do this for free online or by phone.
• Experian: https://www.experian.com/fraud/center
• Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/
• TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resource/place-fraud-alert
3. Report Identity Theft: If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://identitytheft.gov.

5. Biometric Data Considerations

Fingerprint data is particularly sensitive because it’s difficult to change. While you can’t replace a fingerprint, consider these steps:

• Be Vigilant: Be extra cautious about phishing attempts and scams that may try to exploit your personal information.
• New Devices: If you use biometric authentication on new devices (e.g., smartphones), be aware of the potential risks and ensure strong security measures are in place.

6. Technical Steps (If Applicable)

1. Revoke API Keys: If you used Biostar 2 with any third-party applications or services using API keys, revoke those keys immediately.
2. Check System Logs: Review system logs for any unusual activity related to your Biostar 2 integration (if applicable).