Tracking pixels blamed for US hospital data breach

• by Ellie Hurst
• Advent IM Blog

Tracking pixels have been blamed for a cyber-attack on a New York hospital, which may have exposed patient data. These tracking and analytical tools were used by the hospital itself and could have been at the root of their own exposure and data breach. This is the fourth notable breach of recent times involving tracking pixels.

Tracking pixels, also known as web beacons or pixel tags, are small, invisible images embedded into emails, web pages, and other online content. They are commonly used by marketers to track the behaviour of website visitors, email recipients, and social media users. However, these pixels can also be used for nefarious purposes, and pose significant risks to cyber security.

One of the biggest dangers of tracking pixels is that they can be used to collect information about users without their knowledge or consent. When a tracking pixel is loaded, it can record data such as the user’s IP address, browser type and version, device type, and location. This information can then be used to build a detailed profile of the user, including their interests, habits, and online activity.

This data can be used by cybercriminals for a variety of purposes, including targeted phishing attacks, identity theft, and even physical surveillance. For example, a cybercriminal might use the information collected through a tracking pixel to create a convincing phishing email that appears to be from a legitimate source, but contains a malicious link or attachment.

Another danger of tracking pixels is that they can be used to bypass security measures such as ad-blockers and anti-virus software. Because tracking pixels are typically small and invisible, they can be difficult to detect, and may not trigger security warnings or alerts. This means that users may be vulnerable to malware and other threats without even realizing it.

Finally, tracking pixels can also be used to violate users’ privacy and compromise their online security. For example, a tracking pixel embedded in an email or website could be used to track the user’s location and movements, or to monitor their online activity in real-time. This information could then be used for a variety of malicious purposes, including stalking, harassment, and even blackmail.

Tracking pixels pose significant risks to cyber security, and users should be aware of the potential dangers they represent. To protect themselves against these threats, users should take steps such as disabling images in their email client, using ad-blockers and anti-virus software, and being cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. By taking these precautions, users can help to safeguard their privacy and security in an increasingly connected world.