In a recent turn of events, Workday has fallen victim to a sophisticated data breach linked to an attack on Salesforce CRM systems. This incident is part of a broader campaign orchestrated by the notorious ShinyHunters group, which has been targeting major global brands. If you're concerned about your personal information being compromised, this blog will guide you through what was accessed, the potential risks, and the crucial steps you should take to secure your data.
What Data Points Were Leaked?
When news breaks about a data breach, the first thing on everyone’s mind is: what information was actually exposed? In the case of the Workday breach, there’s a bit of clarity—and a little relief. The attackers, working through a compromise of Salesforce CRM systems, got their hands on business contact information. Here’s what that means for you:
Names: Your name tied to your professional profile or account.
Work Emails: The email you use for business, not your personal Gmail or Yahoo.
Phone Numbers: Usually your work phone or the number you gave for business contact.
Let’s be clear: no customer tenant data, payroll info, or sensitive personal identification numbers were accessed. The attackers didn’t get into the guts of your Workday records or see private HR files. This wasn’t about stealing social security numbers, bank details, or home addresses.
But why does business contact information matter? Because it’s enough to open the door for scammers who know how to use a name and email address to make their next move. Think of it like someone knowing your work badge but not your office keys—they can try to trick their way in, even if they can’t barge through the front door.
Should You Be Worried?
Data breaches can feel distant—until your details show up in the wrong hands. The recent ShinyHunters campaign, tied to the Workday data leak, isn’t just another headline. It carries real risks for anyone whose information was exposed. Here’s what you need to know to gauge your risk and take smart next steps.
What’s at Stake with Leaked Data?
When your contact information—like emails, phone numbers, or names—gets leaked, it’s not just about spam calls or a cluttered inbox. The dangers dig deeper:
Social Engineering Attacks: Hackers often use stolen data to trick people into revealing even more sensitive information. For example, a scammer might call pretending to be from your workplace, referencing real details to gain your trust.
Phishing Scams: With your work email or phone number, attackers can craft convincing fake messages. A well-timed email that looks like it’s from HR, but is actually a trap, can catch even the most careful among us.
Identity Risks: If attackers piece together enough information, they can impersonate you—sometimes to access your workplace systems or even financial accounts.
Why the ShinyHunters Campaign Matters
ShinyHunters is a name that keeps popping up in data breach circles. Their campaigns are methodical, targeting large organizations to scoop up big batches of data. The Workday breach is significant because:
Widespread Impact: Workday is used by countless companies for HR and payroll, so a breach here doesn’t just hit one organization—it ripples out to many.
Rich Data: The kind of information exposed can be valuable for attackers. It’s not just emails; sometimes, it includes job titles, departments, and other work-related insights.
Don’t Assume You’re Safe
Even if you haven’t noticed anything suspicious, attackers often wait before making their move. It’s not just about immediate threats; your data could be circulating on dark web forums for months or years.
Protecting Yourself
This is where privacy tools like Cloaked come into play. Cloaked helps you mask your real contact details—think of it as a digital alias for your email, phone, or credit card—making it harder for attackers to reach you directly, even if your info gets leaked. If you’re worried about future breaches, using services like Cloaked can add an extra layer between you and potential threats.
Key Takeaways:
Leaked contact info opens the door to social engineering and phishing.
ShinyHunters campaigns are broad and persistent, impacting large networks.
Even “just an email” leak can snowball into bigger problems.
Proactive steps—like using privacy tools—can reduce your exposure.
No scare tactics, just facts: If your data was in the Workday breach, don’t brush it off. Treat your digital identity like you would your house keys—lock it up tight.
What Should Be Your Next Steps?
Protecting your personal data isn’t just for tech experts—it’s for everyone. After a breach, it’s easy to feel exposed or even a bit paranoid. The truth? Small, practical steps can make a world of difference. Here’s what you should actually do next.
Stay Alert to Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing is when someone tries to trick you—usually through emails, texts, or calls—into giving up sensitive details. Social engineering goes a step further, using manipulation to get you to hand over information or access. It’s not about hackers breaking in; it’s about talking you into opening the door.
How to spot and stop these threats:
Be skeptical of any unexpected emails or texts asking for passwords, Social Security numbers, or account details. Even if it looks official, double-check the sender.
Look for red flags: Typos, urgent messages, and unfamiliar links are warning signs.
Never click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments. If in doubt, visit the website directly or call the company.
Don’t overshare on social media. Information like your pet’s name or your first school can help attackers guess your security answers.
Take Control of Your Personal Information
Once your data is out, you can’t take it back—but you can limit how much more gets exposed.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds a second layer of security beyond just a password.
Regularly review your accounts for unusual activity. If you spot something off, act quickly: change passwords and alert your bank or service provider.
Freeze your credit if your financial information was compromised. This makes it harder for anyone to open new accounts in your name.
Consider Privacy-First Services Like Cloaked
If you want an extra layer of protection, privacy-focused services can help. Cloaked is one such tool, designed to shield your real information from prying eyes. With Cloaked, you can generate unique emails, phone numbers, and usernames for every service you sign up for. If one gets leaked or abused, you can simply turn it off—no need to untangle your entire digital life.
Why use something like Cloaked?
Protect your real identity. Your primary email and phone number stay hidden.
Shut down spam or threats instantly by disabling a compromised alias.
Keep your online footprint smaller. The less you share, the less you risk.
Staying safe online isn’t about paranoia—it’s about smart habits and using the right tools. You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to act. Your future self will thank you.
Cloaked FAQs Accordion
Frequently Asked Questions
Cloaked is a privacy-first tool that lets you create secure aliases for emails, phone numbers, and more—shielding your real identity online. With Cloaked, your personal info stays protected from breaches, scams, and tracking.
Look for urgent messages, unfamiliar links, or strange sender addresses. With Cloaked aliases, it’s easier to identify which site may have leaked your contact details and ignore suspicious communications.
Yes. If a Cloaked alias starts receiving spam, you can pause, delete, or rotate it. This eliminates the need to change your real email or phone number.
They do different jobs. VPNs protect browsing. Password managers secure logins. Cloaked protects your real identity at the contact level—emails, phones, and personal identifiers.
Definitely. Use Cloaked aliases to avoid spam and limit exposure to companies that may mishandle or leak your data.
At Cloaked, we believe the best way to protect your personal information is to keep it private before it ever gets out. That’s why we help you remove your data from people-search sites that expose your home address, phone number, SSN, and other personal details. And to keep your info private going forward, Cloaked lets you create unique, secure emails and phone numbers with one click - so you sign up for new experiences without giving away your real info. With Cloaked, your privacy isn’t a setting - it’s the default. Take back control of your personal data with thousands of Cloaked users.
*Disclaimer: You agree not to use any aspect of the Cloaked Services for FCRA purposes.
