Data Breach at Employee Screening Firm Exposes Millions
Stolen Data Includes Social Security Numbers, Financial Details, and IDs
A major data breach at DISA Global Solutions, a U.S.-based employee screening company, has compromised the personal information of over 3.3 million individuals, including more than 360,000 residents in Massachusetts.
In a notice posted on April 22, 2024, DISA confirmed it was the victim of a cyberattack affecting a portion of its network. The company’s investigation revealed that unauthorized access occurred between February 9, 2024, and April 22, 2024.
Sensitive Personal Data Stolen
According to disclosures filed with the Maine and Massachusetts Attorneys General, the exposed data includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account details
- Government-issued identification documents
Cybersecurity experts warn that breaches of this scale can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cyber risks.
Experts Urge Consumers to Take Immediate Action
While large-scale breaches often leave people feeling powerless, security expert Ian Bednowitz, General Manager at LifeLock, stresses that there are steps individuals can take to protect themselves.
“Many people feel overwhelmed by these breaches and think, ‘There’s nothing I can do.’ But the truth is, you can take action to safeguard your personal information and gain peace of mind,” Bednowitz explained.
Steps to Protect Yourself
If you believe you were affected, experts recommend the following measures:
✅ Freeze Your Credit – This prevents identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
✅ Monitor Financial Statements – Regularly check bank and credit card transactions for suspicious activity.
✅ Review Credit Reports – Obtain free weekly reports from the three major credit bureaus to spot unauthorized changes.
✅ Delete Unused Accounts – Reducing your online footprint minimizes exposure to fraud.
✅ Place a Fraud Alert – This notifies creditors to verify your identity before opening or modifying accounts.
Free Credit Monitoring for Affected Individuals
DISA Global Solutions has begun notifying impacted individuals and is offering free credit monitoring and identity restoration services through Experian.
With cyberattacks on the rise, taking proactive security steps is essential to minimizing risks and preventing long-term consequences.
