Malware
Keenan Alert: 1.5 Million People at Risk from Data Breach after Devastating Summer Cyberattack
Keenan, a California-based insurance brokerage, has warned 15 million people of a data breach after a summer cyberattack. The firm discovered unauthorized access to its systems in July, with the attackers potentially gaining access to names, addresses, email addresses, and Social Security numbers. Keenan has offered affected customers 12 months of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
Keenan & Associates Data Breach Affects 1.5 Million Customers
Imagine this: you’re enjoying a peaceful Sunday afternoon when suddenly, you discover that your company’s network has been breached and the personal information of 1.5 million customers is at risk. This is exactly what happened to Keenan & Associates, a California-based insurance brokerage and consulting firm with strong ties to the education, healthcare, and public agencies sectors.
Who is Keenan & Associates?
Since 2017, Keenan & Associates has been part of AssuredPartners NL, one of the largest brokerage firms in the U.S. They recently submitted a notification to the Office of the Maine Attorney General, warning that 1,509,616 people were impacted by a data breach incident that occurred in the summer of 2023.
How Did We Find Out About the Breach?
The breach was discovered on Sunday, August 27, 2023, when certain disruptions began occurring on some of Keenan’s network servers. According to the notification, an investigation was immediately launched and leading third-party cybersecurity and forensic experts were engaged to assist.
What Happened During the Breach?
The investigation determined that an unauthorized party gained access to certain Keenan internal systems at various times between approximately August 21, 2023, and August 27, 2023, and that the unauthorized party obtained some data from Keenan systems. The data obtained includes:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Passport number
- Driver’s license number
- Health insurance information
- General health information
The exact details exposed in this incident vary per individual, depending on their relationship with the firm. It seems that the breach affects both customers and employees alike.
What Are the Potential Repercussions?
Having the above data exposed can lead to significant consequences, including increased risks for identity theft, financial fraud, phishing attacks, and health insurance fraud. To combat this, Keenan has implemented measures to enhance the security of its network, internal systems, and applications and is evaluating potential additional steps in that direction.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
If you’re one of the 1.5 million customers affected by this breach, Keenan recommends taking advantage of the free two-year identity theft protection service offered through Experian. Additionally, it’s crucial to stay vigilant for suspicious account activities and unsolicited communications.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
As an IT Services expert, we understand the importance of staying up-to-date on cybersecurity threats and taking the necessary precautions to protect valuable information. Don’t let your guard down – make sure to check back with us regularly to learn more about how you can safeguard your personal and professional data. Your peace of mind is our top priority.