Hacker claims record data breach of 350 million Hot Topic customers

A hacker known as Dark X recently claimed to have stolen personal data from 350 million Hot Topic customers, marking a potential record breach for a consumer retailer. The hacker accessed sensitive information, including emails and credit card details, using stolen login credentials. This incident highlights a growing underground hacking industry fueled by infostealer malware, which targets passwords and cookies from victims' browsers. Major companies like AT&T and Ticketmaster have also been compromised through similar methods, revealing a complex network of criminals involved in these attacks. Despite recent law enforcement efforts against infostealers, the market continues to thrive. New malware tools are easily accessible, allowing both novice and experienced hackers to exploit stolen credentials for financial gain, expanding the threat to large corporations.