Cyber Security: This Data Breach Could Hurt You!

Cyber Security-- You probably don't spend much time thinking about it, but let's be honest, almost everything we do nowadays involves the internet, software, data, wifi, etc-- all of which leave us vulnerable to hackers and data breaches. Just because you aren't thinking about your information getting stolen doesn't mean that there aren't people thinking of ways to steal it. And those people make a career of it. 

We spend a lot of time talking about Cyber Insurance and trying to inform our clients and friends about ways that they can (and should) protect themselves. We have seen how easy it is to lose WAY too much to these career criminals. 

That's why when we heard about a very serious cyber attack involving Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) we knew we had to help get the word out on ways you may be left vulnerable and what you can do to minimize risk now!

According to the office of Governor John Bel Edwards, Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles was part of a still unknown number of government agencies that have been involved in a major cyber attack. The unprecedented attack was made on MOVEit, an industry-leading third party data transfer service, and apparently several U.S. agencies were using it because this attack has involved government agencies of all sorts.

So what personal information did these cyber criminals gather? Well, according to Governor Edwards, OMV believes that Louisiana residents with a driver's license, ID, or car registration have likely had the following data exposed:

• Name
• Address
• Social Security Number
• Birthdate
• Height
• Eye Color
• Driver’s License Number
• Vehicle Registration Information
• Handicap Placard Information

... so basically everything. And while there is no proof that the hackers have released, sold, or used any of the data collected, we have to advise our clients and friends to take every possible action to protect their identity! So now what?

Governor Edwards recommends that all Louisiana residents take the following next steps:

• Prevent unauthorized new account openings or loans and monitor your credit by temporarily freezing your credit for free. This does not prevent use of existing credit cards or bank accounts, but prevents others from opening any new accounts or borrowing money in your name. Request and review your credit report now to look for suspicious activity. Freezing accounts can be done through Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. 
• Change all passwords and monitor online accounts regularly. Don't forget to enable multi-factor authentication!
• Protect your tax refunds and returns with the IRS by requesting an "Identity Protection Pin" from the IRS by signing up here.
• Check your Social Security benefits by registering for an account to stop others from stealing your benefits or committing Social Security Fraud. 
• Report suspected identity theft by contacting the Federal Trade Commission if you suspect ANY abnormal activity involving your data or accounts.

Further tips and information about this cyber attack can be found here. 

Well, as frustrating as this situation is for us all, maybe this data breach will give some people the push they could use to take control of their cyber security by putting the necessary steps in place to protect their identity and finances. Obviously we hate to hear about these attacks, but we'll choose to look on the bright side and take it as an opportunity to inform our clients and friends about the different ways that they can remain secure not only during this time, but at all times! 

As always, our team is here for you. If you'd like more information on how Kastner Insurance Group can help protect your business from a costly cyber attack, schedule a FREE consultation today!