Florida WD Warns of Unemployment Data Breach

by



[ad_1]

ORLANDO, Florida – The state of Florida has warned of a data breach affecting the state’s unemployment benefit system.

What would you like to know

  • Personal information may have been stolen from WD between April 27 and July 16
  • WD said it has proactively locked accounts, improved PIN code security controls, and improved network security systems.

  • 57,920 requester accounts were targeted, according to WD

  • RELATED: Florida Unemployment Questions, Answers

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced the data breach in a letter sent to affected individuals Friday.

The letter stated that “malicious actors” may have stolen personal information over a period of more than a month, between April 27, 2021 and July 16, 2021.

DEO said it was July 16 that they discovered the hack.

“Information in your claimant account may have been viewed, including the following: social security number, driver’s license number, bank account numbers, claim information, and other personal information, such as address, phone number and date of birth ”, the letter DEO indicates. “Additionally, malicious actors may have acquired the PIN code you use to access your CONNECT account.”

CONNECT is the database that individuals use to file their unemployment benefits.

WD said it has proactively locked accounts, improved PIN code security controls, and improved network security systems.

WD recommends that those who have received the letter closely monitor the credit accounts.

From DEO:

We recommend that you monitor your financial accounts and, if you notice any unauthorized activity, contact your financial institution promptly. You can also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338) or online at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

You can also contact the three US credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to get a free credit report from each by calling 1-877-322-8228 or logging on to www.annualcreditreport.com.

Additionally, WD has purchased a one-year subscription to LifeLock Identity Protection Services on your behalf. LifeLock will send you a mail notification in the next few days explaining the services you will receive. LifeLock will also provide call center services that you can use if you have any questions about this notice.

You can call the LifeLock Call Center at 1-866-918-3797.

WD says 57,920 requester accounts have been targeted.

Fraud remains an ongoing problem for states like Florida.

Several people told Spectrum News about problems with new unemployment claims not being able to be filed due to existing fraud; hackers using stolen information to file fraudulent claims.

Before Friday’s news of a data breach, WD previously told Spectrum News:

“Fraud detection and research is ongoing within the department, and we continue to seek additional ways to mitigate cases of re-employment assistance fraud and protect the identity of Floridians. Recently, the department has implemented a fraud prevention measure that prevents applicants from changing their banking information and email address in CONNECT to help mitigate cases of account hijacking. Applicants can find instructions on how to change this information through CONNECT. Applicants are always encouraged to verify that their account information, such as contact details and bank details, is correct and up to date each time they access their account. Applicants should also be sure to check any suspicious emails or phone calls to ensure that they are official correspondence and to mitigate any instances of fraud or theft of customer support. reuse.



[ad_2]

Source link