Article Details
Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2025-11-27 15:51:40.777
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/27/openai_mixpanel_api/
Original Article Text
Click to Toggle View
OpenAI cuts off Mixpanel after analytics leak exposes API users. ChatGPT maker places other vendors under review following breach. OpenAI says API users may be affected by a recent breach at its former data analytics provider, Mixpanel. Limiting the exposure somewhat, only users of OpenAI's platform – its tools to develop AI-powered products – are affected. Typical users of ChatGPT need not worry unless they too use the API. Mixpanel detected the data breach on November 9 and shared the dataset with OpenAI on November 25. The data types involved pertain to profile information associated with OpenAI platform accounts and includes names, email addresses, approximate locations, operating system and browser details, referring websites, and organization or user IDs associated with the account. OpenAI said it dropped Mixpanel as a result of the attack and is carrying out wider security reviews across its vendor ecosystem, elevating the requirements for each. It said in an announcement: "As part of our security investigation, we removed Mixpanel from our production services, reviewed the affected datasets, and are working closely with Mixpanel and other partners to fully understand the incident and its scope. We are in the process of notifying impacted organizations, admins, and users directly. While we have found no evidence of any effect on systems or data outside Mixpanel's environment, we continue to monitor closely for any signs of misuse. "Trust, security, and privacy are foundational to our products, our organization, and our mission. We are committed to transparency, and are notifying all impacted customers and users. We also hold our partners and vendors accountable for the highest bar for security and privacy of their services. After reviewing this incident, OpenAI has terminated its use of Mixpanel." OpenAI did not reveal how many users might be affected by the Mixpanel breach, but confirmed it is notifying them directly. The Register asked for more information. As you'd expect from a breach notification, the company warned users to be wary of possible phishing attempts, but said they don't need to go as far as resetting their passwords. The main concerns here are convincing emails that contain suspicious links or attachments, or attempt to capture passwords and verification codes. OpenAI's public statement on the matter is a carbon copy of the information issued to affected customers directly, which has been shared by security pros on social media. The ChatGPT maker said it formerly used Mixpanel for web analytics to better understand how customers used its API, before dropping it in the wake of the breach. The Register also asked Mixpanel for its take on the breach and OpenAI's decision to terminate its agreement, but it only directed us back to OpenAI's statement.
Daily Brief Summary
OpenAI's former data analytics provider, Mixpanel, experienced a data breach affecting API users, with no impact on regular ChatGPT users unless they also use the API.
The breach involved profile data such as names, email addresses, locations, operating systems, and browser details linked to OpenAI platform accounts.
Mixpanel detected the breach on November 9, sharing the affected dataset with OpenAI by November 25, prompting OpenAI to sever ties with the provider.
OpenAI is conducting a comprehensive security review of its vendor ecosystem, raising security standards and notifying impacted organizations, administrators, and users directly.
The breach has led OpenAI to stress vigilance against phishing attempts, advising users to be cautious of suspicious emails but not requiring password resets.
OpenAI remains committed to transparency and has publicly shared its notification details, emphasizing the importance of trust, security, and privacy in its operations.
The incident underscores the need for robust vendor management and security practices to safeguard sensitive data and maintain customer trust.