Data breach affecting 128,000 email addresses linked to Amstel events

A data breach involving suppliers to De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE and Amstel LIVE in the Pub has affected 128,000 email addresses, a spokesperson told the ANP. The information belonged to people invited to take part in audience surveys after the events.

The breach occurred at Cloudbear, a supplier to research agency Abbi Insights, which conducts surveys for both events. For De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE, the exposed personal data includes names, phone numbers, postcodes, sex and dates of birth as well as email addresses. For Amstel LIVE in the Pub, it includes email addresses and first names. No bank, payment or credit-card details were involved, the spokesperson said.

Heineken Nederland, Amstel’s parent company, is investigating with Abbi Insights and Cloudbear what happened and whether the information was accessed, copied or misused. Those affected have been informed and advised to watch out for phishing emails and other suspicious messages. Heineken Nederland has also reported the breach to the Dutch Data Protection Authority.

“We deeply regret this,” the spokesperson said. “Protecting personal data is a high priority for us, and we are looking at what additional measures are needed to limit the impact and prevent a recurrence.”