People often say only two things in life are certain, death and taxes. Today, we might need to add a third: data breaches. The latest company to join that growing list is Hyundai. Its IT division, Hyundai AutoEver America (HAEA), confirmed a cyberattack that compromised the personal details of as many as 2.7 million customers.

The breach, which occurred earlier this year, exposed sensitive information including Social Security numbers and driver’s licenses. This revelation has left millions of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis owners worried about how their data might be used.

The Timeline of the Breach

According to a notice from HAEA, the unauthorized access began on February 22, 2024, and continued until March 2, 2024. Despite the early-year timeline, the company only disclosed the incident publicly on October 30. That delay has raised concerns among cybersecurity experts about why the company waited several months before alerting affected users.

During those ten days of exposure, cybercriminals reportedly gained access to internal systems containing personal and vehicle information tied to Hyundai’s customer database. While HAEA has not specified exactly how many individuals were impacted, it estimated the scope based on the 2.7 million vehicles linked to its digital systems.

Company Response and Customer Protection

In its statement, Hyundai AutoEver America said it has since secured its systems and launched an internal investigation. The company is also offering free credit monitoring services for two years to those potentially affected. This move aims to help customers detect identity theft or suspicious financial activity early.

However, many consumers feel that the offer, while standard after such breaches, does little to undo the damage or restore trust. Once personal data is exposed, it can circulate indefinitely on the dark web, often used for fraudulent activities long after the initial breach is discovered.

A Pattern of Recurring Issues

This is not the first time Hyundai has faced a cybersecurity incident. The automaker’s European operations were hit by two separate breaches, one in 2023 and another in 2024. These repeated incidents suggest that Hyundai’s cybersecurity defenses may need stronger oversight and modernization to handle evolving digital threats.

Experts say automakers are increasingly attractive targets because connected vehicles and digital services collect vast amounts of data, everything from navigation history to customer identification details.

What This Means for Consumers

If you are a Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis owner, now is the time to stay alert. Monitor your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for unusual activity. Even those who have never owned one of these vehicles should take note. Large-scale data breaches like this are becoming more frequent, affecting not just automakers but nearly every industry that stores personal information.

The incident is another reminder that cybersecurity can no longer be treated as a secondary issue. In a world where data powers nearly every service, companies must prioritize stronger digital safeguards, or risk becoming the next headline.