Samsung reports major hack of Galaxy phones

Samsung has announced that a data extortion gang named Lapsus$ has breached the company’s internal data and stolen confidential source code related to its Galaxy-branded devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.). The company did not disclose exactly what information was hacked, but it did note that it does not foresee any impact on its end-user products or private customer data.

Lapsus$ is certainly making the rounds. It recently released what it claimed to be data and employee passwords stolen from Nvidia, a company that designs graphics processing units (GPUs) for the gaming and professional markets. BleepingComputer reports that it is unclear if Lapsus$ contacted Samsung for a ransom, as it claimed in the case of Nvidia. 

“We were recently made aware that there was a security breach relating to certain internal company data. Immediately after discovering the incident, we strengthened our security system,” a Samsung spokesperson told CNBC.

“According to our initial analysis, the breach involves some source codes relating to the operation of Galaxy devices, but does not include the personal information of our consumers or employees.”

This is just the latest setback that Samsung has faced in recent weeks. Last week, Samsung made the news when phone owners reportedly experienced a slowdown of more than 10,000 apps.