Dell has informed 49 million customers of a data breach exposing personal details and product order information.

The breach was orchestrated by a threat actor named Menelik through a loophole in a Dell partner portal.

Menelik exploited the system by making over 5000 requests per minute to automatically retrieve customer data.

Dell's oversight in reviewing partner accounts facilitated unauthorized access to customer information.

Compromised data includes information of individuals and companies, along with details of millions of Dell devices.

Dell has engaged a third-party forensics firm to investigate and has notified law enforcement of the breach.

Customers are warned of the risk of identity theft and advised to be vigilant of any communications claiming to be from Dell.