FAQ

1. When did Stratfor learn of the problem and how?

We were notified in early December and have since been cooperating with the FBI’s investigation of the incident.

2. What was taken in the attack on the company data systems?

The hacker(s) retrieved subscriber email addresses, internal email communications, and the credit card info of some former and current paid subscribers.

3. How were credit card companies informed?

The FBI notified credit card companies in early December.

4. What additional damage was done to the Stratfor website?

Four of Stratfor’s servers and backup data were destroyed. We believe this was an attempt to silence the company.

5. How is Stratfor dealing with the problem?

• We brought on CSID, a leading identity protection company, to assist current and former subscribers.
• We commissioned Sec Theory, an Internet security firm, to work with us to rebuild our website and internal infrastructure.
• We also hired Verizon Business to conduct a forensic investigation in tandem with the FBI’s investigation.

6. What is Stratfor? Is it an arm of the government or a security firm as some sources have reported?

We are not a security firm or government entity of any kind. We are a privately owned, independent company that produces geopolitical analysis of world events. We publish global news and unbiased analysis via a subscribers-only website. Unlike traditional news outlets, we use a unique, intelligence-based approach to gathering information, and analyze it looking through the lens of geopolitics.

7. Who stole this data and why?

No one has been arrested, and it is unclear who carried out the attack. The FBI’s investigation is ongoing.