Hackers breached major broker’s IT systems, exposed carrier bank account numbers

Total Quality Logistics (TQL) has confirmed that it was the victim of a serious data breach that exposed sensitive carrier information.

Just before 6 a.m. on February 27, TQL stated on their company website that “We confirmed a data breach of our IT systems which compromised the security of our online portals for carriers.“

TQL says that so far, there have been less than 20 carriers identified where ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment theft may have occurred and that they are working on contacting these carriers.

TQL says that hackers were able to access sensitive carrier account information, including tax ID numbers and bank account numbers.

TQL says that they have taken action to correct the data breach:

One of our highest priorities has been and continues to be the security of your information. We have taken immediate steps to close security gaps in our systems, hired a third-party cyber security firm for additional forensics and testing to confirm the adequacy of our cyber security protocols and we’re actively working with law enforcement to investigate this breach.

The company also says that they are teaming up with law enforcement agencies including the FBI to combat the data breach.

For now, TQL is recommending that all carriers assume that their bank account and tax ID information has been compromised and take extra security steps. These steps include contact your bank or financial institution your TQL account is with and notify them your information may have been compromised, specifically your bank account, routing, and tax ID Numbers. TQL also recommends that carriers place a fraud alert on their credit files.

Carriers with questions about the data breach can reach TQL at 800-822-5980 or email CarrierHotline@tql.com. For more information on the data breach, you can click here.

TQL says that they work with more than 85,000 carriers and that they are the second largest freight brokerage in the U.S.