7055CCJ Case Study Analysis: The Equifax Data Breach of 2017

This case study analyzes the 2017 Equifax data breach, examining the key actors involved, the outcomes and consequences, and the type of cyber fraud perpetrated. The vulnerability in the Apache Struts framework is discussed, along with the 'Man in the Middle' attack category. The General Theory of Crime and Victimization is applied to the case, highlighting low self-control and easy gratification as contributing factors. The analysis further explores crime prevention strategies, emphasizing target suitability reduction and improved guardianship. The study references relevant literature to support its findings, including discussions on the lack of efficient scanning processes and security measures, which made Equifax an easy target for the attack. The case study underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of data breaches.