Today, we’re sitting down with Malik Haidar, a renowned cybersecurity expert who has spent years safeguarding multinational corporations from digital threats and hackers. With a deep background in analytics, intelligence, and security, Malik brings a unique perspective by blending business strategy with cutting-edge cybersecurity practices. In this interview, we dive into the recent Conduent data breach, exploring the scale of the incident, the nature of the stolen information, the perpetrators behind the attack, and the broader implications for individuals and organizations. We also touch on the steps being taken to address the breach and what it means in the context of cybersecurity today.
How did the Conduent data breach come to light, and what’s the timeline of events surrounding it?
The Conduent data breach was first discovered on January 13, 2025, but the unauthorized access actually started much earlier, on October 21, 2024. That means the attackers had nearly three months of undetected access to the company’s systems, which is a significant window for data theft and damage. Once it was identified, Conduent moved to investigate the scope of the breach and started notifying affected individuals and state authorities. Customer notices went out in October 2025, which shows how long it can take to fully assess and respond to an incident of this magnitude.
Can you paint a picture of the scale of this breach in terms of the number of people affected?
Absolutely, the scale here is staggering. Over 10.5 million individuals were impacted by this breach, making it one of the largest of its kind in recent years. The impact was felt across multiple states, with Texas seeing the highest number at over 4 million affected individuals. Washington had around 76,000 people impacted, and even smaller states like Maine reported several hundred cases. These numbers, reported through filings with state attorney general offices, highlight just how widespread the consequences are.
What types of personal information were compromised in this incident?
The stolen data includes highly sensitive information, such as names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical information, and health insurance details. This combination is particularly dangerous because it can be used for identity theft, fraudulent medical claims, or even targeted phishing attacks. The exposure of Social Security numbers and medical data raises serious concerns, as these are often the hardest to replace or secure once they’re out there, leaving individuals vulnerable for years.
Who’s behind this cyberattack, and what do we know about their methods or motives?
The SafePay ransomware gang claimed responsibility for the attack in February 2025. This group first emerged in October 2024, coincidentally around the same time the breach began, and they’ve quickly become one of the most active cybercriminal collectives out there. SafePay claimed to have stolen a massive 8.5 terabytes of data from Conduent, which, if true, is an enormous haul. Their approach typically involves ransomware, where they encrypt data or threaten to leak it unless a ransom is paid, but their motives often extend to selling stolen data on the dark web for profit.
What actions has Conduent taken to address the breach since it was discovered?
Since discovering the breach, Conduent has taken several steps to mitigate the damage. They’ve worked with a dedicated review team to analyze the affected files and determine exactly what personal information was compromised. Customer notices were sent out in October 2025 to inform those impacted. Additionally, they’ve been filing reports with state attorney general offices to comply with legal obligations. While specific future prevention measures haven’t been fully disclosed, it’s likely they’re reevaluating their security protocols and investing in stronger defenses to prevent a repeat incident.
For those unfamiliar, can you explain what Conduent does and why their role makes this breach so significant?
Conduent is a major player in business process services, handling critical back-office functions like printing and mailroom services, document processing, and payment integrity. They support around 100 million U.S. residents through government health programs, operate some of the largest toll systems in the country, and manage payment disbursements for federally funded benefits. When a company with this level of access to personal and government data gets breached, the ripple effects are huge—not just for individuals, but for public trust in these systems.
How does this breach stack up against other major data breaches, especially in the healthcare sector?
The Conduent breach is ranked as the eighth largest healthcare data breach of all time by industry sources. That’s a significant position when you consider the history of cyberattacks in this sector. While it’s not entirely clear how much of the stolen data falls under HIPAA regulations—which govern the protection of health information—the sheer volume of medical and personal details exposed makes this a critical incident. It underscores the growing vulnerability of healthcare-related data, which is often a prime target for cybercriminals.
What practical steps can individuals take to protect themselves if they’ve been affected by this breach?
If you’re one of the millions affected, the first step is to monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name. Change passwords for any related accounts, and consider enrolling in identity theft protection services if offered by Conduent. Also, be wary of phishing attempts—don’t click on suspicious links or share personal info over email or phone. Finally, keep an eye on any communications from Conduent for updates or assistance they might provide.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the future of cybersecurity in light of incidents like the Conduent breach?
I think we’re going to see an acceleration in both the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, especially targeting sectors like healthcare and government services where the data is incredibly valuable. Ransomware groups like SafePay are evolving rapidly, and companies will need to invest heavily in proactive defenses—think AI-driven threat detection and zero-trust architectures. At the same time, there’s likely to be stronger regulatory pressure for better data protection standards and faster breach notifications. For individuals, digital literacy and personal security habits will become just as important as corporate defenses in staying safe.
