Showing posts with label security breaches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label security breaches. Show all posts

Thursday, January 14, 2010

What is 222,477,043?

That is the number of records compromised in 498 data breaches in 2009! Was your personal information one of those records. If so, I hope you have some type of identity theft protection. If not, don't be like an ostrich with your head stuck in the sand thinking the lion won't bite you because you don't see him.  Get protected now! It is better to be proactive not reactive when it comes to identity theft.

Visit my shameless plug below to get protected for as low as $9.95 per month for a couple. Add your children (up to 4) for an additional $1/month. This is the best protection on the planet and it comes with restoration services included.

For a copy of the above mentioned Breach report click here! or on the title above.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Happy Holidays and some Catch Up

Once again, I have been remiss in my duties of posting, mostly due to the Holidays. However, here is some current id theft news.


Heartland Payment Systems will pay $3.6 million to American Express to settle charges relating to Heartland's landmark data breach. The payment, Heartland says in a press release announcing the settlement, resolves "all intrusion-related issues between the two parties" regarding the breach of an estimated 130 million credit and debit cards.

Credit card companies, including American Express, Visa and MasterCard, were forced to cancel and reissue credit cards because of the Heartland data breach. Banks and credit unions have also sued the payments processor to recoup the costs of reissuing cards and to cover the cost of fraud that resulted from the breach. 

Earlier this year, Heartland said it had put aside more than $12 million to cover the charges related to the breach. Heartland is expected to be fined by other brands, including Visa and MasterCard.
___________________________

So far this year, there has been 483 data security breaches with 222,305,800 exposed records. To see the full report click here. 
 ___________________________
Was Citibank the Victim of a Massive Breach?
Citigroup Denies News Report of Multi-Million Dollar Hack
December 23, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

Was Citibank breached by hackers who siphoned tens of millions of dollars from the bank's customers?

The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday reported news of an FBI investigation into an alleged Citibank computer security breach by hackers linked to a Russian cyber gang.

Citigroup executives, however, categorically deny the breach and investigation at Citibank.
"We had no breach of the system and there were no losses, no customer losses, no bank losses," says Joe Petro, managing director of Citigroup's Security and Investigative services. "Any allegation that the FBI is working a case at Citigroup involving tens of millions of losses is just not true."

Few details were given about the alleged attack, which is reported to have involved two other entities, one of them a U.S. government agency. The Citibank attack was reportedly discovered in the summer, but may have actually happened months or even a year earlier. The breach is said to have been detected by law enforcement agents who saw activity on Internet addresses previously used by the Russian Business Network, a Russian-based gang. Two years ago, RBN went quiet, but it is suspected by observers the group has reformed into smaller sects.

Whether the breach did or did not occur, security experts agree on one point: Large banking institutions are under constant attack, and this report should remind them to stay on alert for suspicious activity.(Full story at www.bankinfosecurity.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

CalOptima Reports Data Breach That Could Affect 68,000 Members

Unencrypted CDs containing names, diagnosis codes, Social Security numbers and other information for about 68,000 CalOptima members have been lost, sparking concerns about identity theft, Computerworld reports.

CalOptima is Orange County's Medi-Cal managed care plan.  Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.

In a statement, CalOptima explained that a claims scanning vendor had sent the CDs to CalOptima via certified mail, but CalOptima only received the outside packaging, not the box with the CDs.

A spokesperson for the health plan said there is no evidence that the CDs were stolen (Vijayan, Computerworld, 10/26).

The statement said that CalOptima informed state and federal agencies of the situation on Oct. 14 and posted an alert on its Web site on Oct. 15 (Goedert, Health Data Management, 10/26).

CalOptima is making arrangements to offer credit monitoring services to members affected by the breach (Computerworld, 10/26).

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Payroll Processor Breached Twice in One Month


PayChoice Warns Business Clients of Network Breaches, Potential Fraud
October 19, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

For the second time in less than a month, New Jersey-based payroll processor PayChoice has alerted customers to a network breach.

PayChoice, based in Moorestown, NJ, had to take its Online Employer site offline last Thursday for a short time after the latest security breach was discovered. While the exact cause of the breach was not revealed, the company says it has taken new precautions.

"PayChoice deployed additional security measures to protect client data after the company identified a key mechanism used by online attackers," says CEO Robert Digby. PayChoice's Online Employer site was briefly taken offline after the company discovered the breach, which occurred on Oct. 14. Digby says PayChoice has reopened the site with most functionality after protecting against the methods used in the attack.

The payroll processing company, which boasts more than 125,000 business clients, warned its customers by letter about the new breach after some clients reported "phantom" employees showing up on their payrolls.

The message to PayChoice customers indicated that the hackers may have stolen customer login IDs and passwords by going through a hole in security on the website feature that helps customers change their password. PayChoice says it turned off the change-password feature to fix the vulnerability. (Full text at www.bankinfosecurity.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Chase Bank Notifies Customers of Breach

Backup Tape Reported Missing from Vendor Storage Facility
September 11, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

Chase Bank has sent out data breach notification letters to an undisclosed number of customers after a computer tape with customers' personal information was reported missing from a third-party vendor's storage facility.

Tom Kelly, spokesperson for New York-based Chase, the commercial/consumer banking arm of financial giant JPMorgan Chase, says the vendor -- which he would not name -- confirmed it received and maintained the tape, and that its offsite facility had been searched thoroughly after the tape disappeared. Kelly would not say if the data on the tape was encrypted, but says its data can be read only with special equipment and software. "We have no evidence to indicate any of the information has been viewed or used inappropriately," Kelly says. (emphasis added because: That's what they all say. It must be a boilerplate all use in case of a breach) (Full text at www.bankinfosecurity.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Saturday, August 22, 2009

Radisson Hotels Suffer Data Breach

Radisson Hotels Suffer Data Breach. It's not this article that amazes me but the number of people that I speak with daily who do not see the need for Identity Theft Protection with full restoration services and/or Prepaid Legal Services since an identity theft is going to be a legal issue.

Radisson Hotels Suffer Data Breach
Unknown Number of Records Exposed During 6-Month Period
August 21, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

An unknown number of Radisson Hotel guests in the U.S. and Canada may face credit card fraud in the wake of a data breach announced by the hotel chain this week.

In an open letter to customers, Fredrik Korallus, CEO of the hotel chain detailed the breach, which involved computer systems invaded by hackers for a six-month period, from Nov. 2008 to May 2009.

According to the hotel chain's spokesperson, David Chamberlin, the forensic investigation of the breach is still underway, with federal law enforcement involved, and the company isn't unable to provide accurate estimates of the number of potentially exposed records.

...The facts of the breach released by Radisson:

  • Between November 2008 and May 2009, the computer systems of some Radisson Hotels & Resorts in the U.S. and Canada were accessed without authorization. This past spring, the company was able to confirm an intrusion. The investigation is ongoing.
  • The accessed computer systems contained guest information such as the name printed on a credit or debit card, the account number and the expiration date on the card. "We do not know, however, whether a particular name, credit or debit card number or card expiration date were in fact accessed or taken," he says.
  • The accessed computer systems did not include Social Security numbers.
  • The hotel says at this time, "it appears to be an unauthorized attack from an outside source, and have no reason to believe it was an insider."
  • The hotel says it has worked closely with the major credit card brands, issuers, the credit reporting agencies, and its payment processor, Elavon, to address the incident.
  • It also placed ads announcing the breach in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today on Wednesday and has set up a dedicated web site to address customer questions.
  • Notification letters were sent to affected consumers, where they were able to be identified, Chamberlain says.... (Full story at www.bankinfosecurity.com)
To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Friday, May 15, 2009

Heartland Data Breach: MasterCard, Visa Impose Hefty Fines

Heartland Data Breach: MasterCard, Visa Impose Hefty Fines
Processor says it Has Already Spent $12.5 Million in Fees, Penalties
May 14, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

The Heartland Payment Systems (HPY) data breach has already cost the card processor millions in fines from Visa and MasterCard.

This news was revealed by CEO Bob Carr in Heartland's recent earnings call, wherein Carr said the much-publicized breach has already cost the company $12.5 million.

Other than legal fees and some related charges to the breach, much of that amount went toward fines imposed by Visa and MasterCard against Heartland's acquiring banks, Carr says.

A Visa source would not confirm the amount of the fine imposed, but Carr told investors that more than 50 percent of the $12.5 million relates to a fine that MasterCard assessed against its sponsor (acquiring) banks. "Ostensibly, because of an alleged failure by Heartland to take appropriate action upon having learned that its computer system may have been breached, and upon thereafter having discovered the intrusion," Carr states.

Heartland believes that it responded appropriately to all information that it learned regarding the possibility of a system breach and that, upon discovering the intrusion, it took immediate and extraordinary action to address the intrusion, Carr adds.

Heartland therefore considers the MasterCard fine to be in direct violation of both the MasterCard rules and applicable law, and the company "intends and is prepared to vigorously contest, and it has recommended to its sponsor banks that they vigorously contest through all means available, including litigation if necessary, any liability that may be asserted or imposed upon Heartland or its sponsor banks by reason of this fine," Carr says.
(Full text at www.bankinfosecurity.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Saturday, May 9, 2009

Hackers Breach UC Berkeley Database

On Friday, UC Berkeley officials announced that hackers infiltrated restricted computer databases, putting at risk health and other personal information on 160,000 students, alumni and others.

The data included Social Security numbers, birth dates, health insurance information and some medical records dating back to 1999.

As of 05/05/09, there has been 190 data breaches with over 11 million records compromised nationwide.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Identity thieves got data on 3,400 employees, Irving school district says

Identity thieves got data on 3,400 employees, Irving school district says

By KATHERINE LEAL UNMUTH / The Dallas Morning News
kunmuth@dallasnews.com

Irving school officials now say that identity thieves obtained the names and Social Security numbers of 3,400 teachers and other employees contained in an old benefits report and then used the information to make thousands of dollars in purchases.

District security director Pat Lamb said a woman charged in the case said the information came from a list of names pulled out of a trash bin.

"We still do not know how our records were compromised," said Lamb, who mentioned that his own name was on the list. "We don't know if somebody was supposed to shred that information, but it ended up in a Dumpster."

....The victims include Cynthia Will, a former teacher who worked at the Union Bower Center teaching students with disabilities for five years. More than $25,000 in credit card charges were made in her name, including a $4,000 diamond ring from Zales.

"It was stunning the damage that was done in just seven days," she said in an emotional appeal to the Irving school board Monday night.....(Full text at www.dallasnews.com)


To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Breaches Update

As of 03/31/09, there has been 133 security breaches in the US with over 1.5 million records (that is personal information) compromised.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Updates on Security Breaches

Heartland Security breach now impacts over 600 institutions. Click here for latest list. My Credit Union has still not added their name to the list.

As of 03/10/09, there has been 100 security breaches since January 1st with over 1,285,128 records exposed. Click here to view the list.

The total number of records containing sensitive personal information involved in security breaches in the U.S. since January 2005 is
255,547,925

Still think you are not at risk? Don't be a victim of "blissful ignorance". It is not a matter of "IF" but "WHEN" it will happen to you. Be proactive and not reactive and visit my shameless plug below.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Heartland Data Breach now more than 570 institutions

You read the title correctly. There is now over 570 institutions impacted by the Heartland Data Breach. I notice that my credit union has not yet added their name to the list even though I told them how to do it. View the current list by clicking here.

There has also been a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of Banking Institutions. You can read that story by clicking here.

Both above links courtesy of www.bankinfosecurity.com

As of 02/25/09, there have been 83 Data breaches (in 2009) of companies with over 1.1 million records exposed. The records exposed is low as you will see by the number of records reported exposed by some companies is zero. To see current report visit IdentityTheftResourceCenter.com

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Wyndham Hotel guests at risk for identity theft

Monday, February 16, 2009, 12:19pm EST
Wyndham Hotel guests at risk for identity theft
Tampa Bay Business Journal

A data breach at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts may have put up to 21,000 Florida residents in jeopardy of identity theft, Bill McCollum, Florida’s attorney general, said in a statement.

Wyndham reported the data breach to the AG last December and told the office it had contacted consumers of the unauthorized access to personal data on their debit and credit cards. So far, Wyndham believes no criminal identity theft related to the use of the consumer data has been identified. (Full text at www.bizjournals.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Friday, February 13, 2009

Heartland Breach Update: More Than 330 Institutions Now Impacted

A quick update to the Heartland breach. Now more than 330 institutions affected.

If your institution has been affected in the Heartland breach and you are not on this list, please send an email to editor@bankinfosecurity.com. Include your name, email, and a phone number where you may be contacted for verification.

Following is the latest up-to-date list of institutions impacted by the Heartland breach and - where available - the total number of cards compromised:

Acadian Federal Credit Union, Fort Kent, ME;
Adams Bank & Trust, Grant, NE; (15)
Alabama State Employees Credit Union, Montgomery, AL (4,097)
Alerus Financial, Grand Forks, ND;
Alpine Bank, Aspen, CO (3,500);
Alva State Bank, Alva, OK;
Amboy Bank, Old Bridge, NJ;
American Bank Montana, Bozeman, MT;
American National Bank, Denver, CO (2,500);
American Riviera Bank, Santa Barbara, CA;
Apple Valley Bank, Cheshire, CT (100);
Arizona State Credit Union, Phoenix, AZ
Arkansas County Bank, Stuttgart, AR;
Arvest Bank, Mountain Home, AR;
Association of Vermont Credit Unions, VT (6,000);
Baker Boyer Bank, Walla Walla, WA;
Bank of America, St. Louis, MO;
Bank of Bridger, Bridger, MT (80);
The Bank of Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL;
The Bank of Guam, Territory of Guam;
Bank of Monticello, Monticello, MO;
Bank of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK;
Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock, AR;
Bank of Utah, Ogden, UT; (245)
Bank of Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole, WY
Bank of Lee's Summit, Lee's Summit, MO
Bank of the Panhandle, Guymon, OK
BankTrust, Mobile, AL
Bank of Westminster, Westminster SC
Bay Vanguard FSB, Baltimore, MD
Big Sky Western Bank, Bozeman, MT
Black River Country Bank, Black River Falls, WI (300)
The Brunswick State Bank, Brunswick NE
Bangor Federal Credit Union, Bangor, ME (3,000);
BancFirst, Oklahoma City, OK;
Bangor Savings Bank, Bangor, ME (18,000);
Bank Plus, Graettinger, IA;
BBVA Compass, Birmingham, AL;
Beacon Credit Union, Wabash, IN (4,500)(See what Beacon told their members about the Heartland Breach);
Bellwether Community Credit Union, Manchester, NH;
Big Horn Federal Savings Bank, Greybull, WY (650);
Bermuda Bank, Bermuda;
Brighton Bank, Salt Lake City, UT
Butterfield Bank, Bermuda;
CWV Tel Federal Credit Union, Clarksburg, WV
Canadian Tire Financial Services, Niagara, Ontario, Canada (15,000);
Cape Cod Cooperative Bank, Cape Cod, MA (3,600);
Capitol Federal, Topeka, KS (14,000);
Central National Bank, Enid, OK;
The Central National Bank and Trust Company of Enid, Enid OK, (1600);
Central Savings Bank, Sault Ste. Marie, MI (300);
Chase Bank, Utah;
Charter Oak Bank, Napa, CA;
Chocolate Bayou Community FCU, Alvin, TX (2500);
Century Bank and Trust, Milledgeville, GA
Century Bank FSB, Sarasota, FL (2,200);
Century Bank of Kentucky, Lawrenceburg, KY (1,000);
Charleroi Federal Savings Bank, Charleroi, PA;
Citizens Bank Corvallis, OR
Citizens State Bank of Roseau, Roseau, MN (700);
The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Swainsboro, GA;
The Citizens Bank of Weston, Weston, WV (550)
Citizens National Bank of Park Rapids, Park Rapids, MN
Citizens State Bank of Loyal Loyal, WI
Citizens State Bank, New Baltimore, MI
Citizens State Bank, Perry, FL (400)
Community First Bank, New Iberia, LA
Consumers Credit Union, Kalamazoo, MI
Cooperative Extension Service Federal Credit Union, Little Rock, AR
Coronado First Bank, Coronado, CA
Credit Union 1 of Kansas, Topeka, KS
Citizens Bank of Newburg, Rolla, MO;
Coloramo Federal Credit Union, Grand Junction, CO;
Columbia River Bank, The Dalles, OR;
Community Bank, Alva, OK;
Community Bank of Broward, Weston, FL;
Community Bank of The Red River Valley, Grand Forks, ND;
Community First National Bank of Mountain Home, Mountain Home, AR;
Community Savings Bank, Edgewood, IA (1,000);
Core First Bank, Topeka, KS;
Countybank, Greenwood, SC (3,000);
CU Community Credit Union, Springfield, MO; (16)
Cumberland Security Bank, Pulaski, KY;
Dairy State Bank, Rice Lake, WI (1,500);
Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, Anchorage, AK (10,300):
Davison State Bank, Davison, MI
Dearborn Village Community Credit Union, Dearborn, MI
Denali State Bank, Fairbanks AK (1,000)
The Dewey State Bank, Dewey, IL (150)
Dime Bank, Norwich, CT;
Dollar Bank, Pittsburgh, PA;
Dupaco Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA;
DuTrac Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA;
EarthMover Credit Union, Oswego, IL (600);
EPB Employees Credit Union , Chattanooga, TN, (300)
Elevations Credit Union, Denver, CO (35,000)
Employees Credit Union, Dallas, TX
East Dubuque Savings Bank, Dubuque, IA;
Eastern Maine Medical Center Federal Credit Union, Bangor, ME;
Eastman Credit Union, Kingsport, TN;
Elliott Federal Credit Union, Jeanette, PA (100);
El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union, El Paso, TX (1,000);
Extraco Banks, Killeen, TX (9,000);
Family Community Credit Union, Charles City, IA;
Family First Federal Credit Union, Orem, UT (3,600)
Farmers National Bank, Lebanon, KY (500)
Farmers National Bank, Emlenton, PA (5,000)
Farmers and Merchants Bank, Stuttgart, AR;
Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Archbold, OH;
Farmers State Bank, West Bend, IA;
Farmers Trust & Savings Bank, Spencer, IA (725)
Fidelity National Bank, West Memphis, AR (1,463);
Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, OH;
The First, A National Banking Association, Hattiesburg, MS;
First & Farmers National Bank, Pulaski, KY;
First Bank, Azle, TX (3,000);
First Bank & Trust, Brookings, SD;
First Bank of Delaware, Wilmington, DE;
First Bank Blue Earth, Blue Earth, MN;
First Bankers Trust Company, Quincy, IL;
First Cheyenne Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, WY (500);
First Citizens National Bank, Charles City, IA;
First Community National Bank, Steelville, MO;
First American Bank, Elk Grove Village, IL
1st Bank, Evanston, WY
First Bank Montana, Lewistown, MT
First Federal, Port Angeles, WA (3000)
First Federal Bank, Dickson, TN (5,057)
1st Financial Federal Credit Union, St. Louis, MO (6,000)
First Financial Credit Union, Albuquerque, NM
First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, Matoon, IL
First National Bank Alaska, Anchorage, AK
First National Bank & Trust, Syracuse, NE (300)
First National Bank, Bastrop, TX (1,800)
1st Pacific Bank of California, San Diego CA
First Security Bank, Missoula, MT
First State Bank, Union City, TN (9,300)
First State Community Bank, Farmington, MO
First Lincoln Federal Credit Union, Lincoln, NE (259)
Fraternal Order of Police Credit Union, Tulsa, OK (600)
First Enterprise Bank, Oklahoma City, OK;
First Federal Bank, Harrison, AR;
First Financial Bank NA, Terre Haute, IN;
First National Bank of Colorado, Ft. Collins, CO
First National Bank, Carmi, IL;
First National Bank of Farragut-Shenandoah, IA (60);
First National Bank of Hutchinson, KS (1,000);
First National Bank Pratt, Pratt, KS;
First Security Bank & Trust, Charles City, IA (1,400);
1st Source Bank, South Bend, IN;
First State Bank of Illinois, Carthage, IL;
First State Bank, Nora Springs, IA;
First State Bank, Russellville, AR (1,500);
First State Bank of Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff, NE (200);
First Tech Credit Union, Portland, OR;
Five Points Bank, Hastings, NE (200);
Forcht Bank, Kentucky; (8,500);
Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co., Forest Park, IL (500);
Four Corners Community Bank, Farmington, NM;
Franciscan Skemp Credit Union, La Crosse, WI;
Freedom Credit Union, Springfield, MA (2,400);
Gate City Bank, Fargo, ND;
GECU, El Paso, TX (25,000);
Georgetown Savings Bank, Georgetown, MA
GFA Federal Credit Union, Gardner, MA;
The Gordon Bank, Gordon, GA (300);
GCS Federal Credit Union, Pontoon Beach, IL
Glacier Bank, Kalispell, MT
Great Lakes Credit Union, Great Lakes, IL
Great Southern Bank, Springfield, MO;
Health Facilities Federal Credit Union, Florence, SC (3,500);
HealthFirst Federal Credit Union, Waterville, ME; (261)
Heartland Bank, St. Louis, MO;
Heritage Bank, Hastings, NE (50);
Heritage Bank of Nevada, Reno, NV;
Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union, Honolulu, HI
Healthcare Employees FCU, Princeton, NJ (452)
Heritage South Credit Union., Sylacauga, AL (600)
Heritage Valley Federal Credit Union, York County, PA;
Home Federal Bank, Treasure Valley, ID (1,800);
Huntington Bank, Ashland, OH;
Idadiv Credit Union, Nampa, ID;
Indiana State University Federal Credit Union, Terre Haute, IN (1,300);
Indiana University Credit Union, Bloomington, IN;
Industrial Credit Union of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA;
Innovations Federal Credit Union, Bay County, FL (400 cards);
Integra Bank, Evansville, IN;
International Bank of Commerce, Laredo, TX
Iowa State Bank, Ruthven, IA;
Iowa State Savings Bank, Knoxville, IA;
Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, Emmetsburg, IA (700);
Jefferson Bank, Dallas, TX, (200)
Kellogg Company Employee Federal Credit Union, Omaha, NE;
Kennebec Savings Bank, Augusta, ME; (1,500);
Kennebunk Saving Bank, ME (7,000);
First State Bank of Kansas City, KS (400)
Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Manhattan Beach, CA
Kootenay Savings, Trail, British Columbia, Canada;
Lake Country Community Bank, Morristown MN (245);
Lassen County Federal Credit Union, Susanville, CA (600);
Laurens State Bank, Emmetsburg, IA;
Legence Bank, Evansville, IN;
Landmark Credit Union, New Berlin, WI
Liberty Bank, Cheshire, CT;
Liberty Bank, South San Francisco, CA;
Marine Bank and Trust, Carthage, IL;
Merchants & Southern Bank, Gainesville, FL;
Maple City Savings Bank, FSB, Hornell, NY
Members Choice Credit Union, Houston, TX
Mission Bank, Bakersfield, CA
M&I Bank
M & T Bank, Buffalo, NY;
Mountain West Bank, Couer d'Alene, ID
Municipal Employees Credit Union Oklahoma City, OK
Mercy Family Credit Union, Mason City, IA;
Michigan Catholic Credit Union, Troy, MI;
Mid America Bank & Trust Co., Rolla, MO; (200)
MidFirst Bank, Tulsa, OK;
Mid-Oregon Credit Union, (4,000);
Monad Federal Credit Union, Pasco, WA;
Monroe Bank & Trust, Monroe, MI;
Mt. McKinley Bank, Fairbanks, AK;
NAFT Federal Credit Union, Pharr, TX (250)
Nebraska Land National Bank, NE (150);
NAS JRB Credit Union, New Orleans, LA
NBC Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK
North Alabama Educators Credit Union, Huntsville, AL
North Valley Bank, Redding, CA (11,000)
Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union, Merrillville IN (600)
North Country Savings Bank, Canton, NY;
North Iowa Community Credit Union, Mason City, IA;
North Star Community Credit Union, Maddock, ND;
Notre Dame Credit Union, South Bend, IN (2,000);
Oak Valley Community Bank, Oakdale, CA;
O Bee Credit Union, Tumwater, WA; (See what O Bee told its members: http://www.obee.com/)
Ohio Valley Community Credit Union, Clarington, OH (690);
Oklahoma Central Credit Union, Tulsa, OK;
Old National Bank, Evansville, IN;
Old West Federal Credit Union, John Day, OR (1,000)
Oregon Territory Federal Credit Union, Salem, OR;
Patriots Bank, Kansas City, MO;
Patterson State Bank, Patterson, LA;
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Alexandria, VA;
PeoplesChoice Credit Union, Saco, ME. (500);
Pacific Western Bank PacWest Bancorp, San Diego, CA
PALCO Federal Credit Union, Muncy, PA (1,214)
People's State Bank in Wausau, WI
Piedmont Credit Union, Danville, VA (15);
Pine Bluff National Bank, Pine Bluff, AR;
Pinnacle Bank, NE;
Pinnacle Federal Credit Union, Edison, NJ;
The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, Pittsfield, MA;
Planters & Citizens Bank, Camilla, GA (340);
Platte Valley National Bank, Scottsbluff, NE; (388)
Poplar Bluff Federal Credit Union, Poplar Bluff, MO (998);
Port Alliance Federal Credit Union, Norfolk, VA (700);
Premier Bank, Dubuque, IA;
Provident Bank, Baltimore, MD;
Public Service Credit Union, Denver, CO;
Rainier Pacific Bank, Tacoma, WA (5,700);
Redding Bank of Commerce, Redding, CA (4,000)
Republic Bank, Louisville, KY
Rosedale Federal Savings & Loan Association, Baltimore, MD
RTP Federal Credit Union, Durham, NC
Regions Financial Corp., Birmingham, AL;
Rivermark Credit Union, Portland, OR;
Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union, Denver, CO;
Schertz Bank & Trust, Schertz, TX (600);
Schools First FCU, Orange County, CA;
Shelby Savings Bank, Center, TX (600);
Shore Community Bank, Toms River, NJ (283);
Simmons First National Corp., Pine Bluff, AR;
South Central Credit Union, Jackson, MI (650);
San Mateo Credit Union, Redwood City, CA (10,000)
Security Service FCU, San Antonio, TX
Select Employees Credit Union, Sterling, IL (100)
The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette, WI (884)
South City Bank, Vestavia Hills, AL
SouthFirst Bank, Sylacauga, AL
The State Bank, Fenton, MI
Superior Bank, Birmingham, AL
Southside Credit Union, San Antonio, TX (775);
Sovereign Bank, Northeast U.S.;
Spokane Media Federal Credit Union, Spokane, WA; (330)
The State Bank, La Junta, CO (2075);
State Bank of Texas, Irving, TX;
State Employee's Credit Union (SECU), Raleigh, NC; (60,000)
St. Mary's Bank, Manchester, NH;
The Stock Exchange Bank, Woodward, OK;
Stockman Bank, Billings, MT;
Summit Federal Credit Union, Rochester, NY (500 cards);
Surrey Bank & Trust, Mount Airy, NC;
TD Bank, Portland, ME;
TD Bank North, Portland, ME;
Tinker Federal Credit Union, Enid, OK;
Town & Country Bank, Ravenna, NE;
Triangle Credit Union, Nashua, NH;
Texas Bank & Trust, Longview, TX
Town and Country Credit Union, Minot, ND
Tucson Federal Credit Union, Tucson, AZ
The Twin Star Credit Union, Olympia, WA
TrustCo Bank Corp., Glenville, NY;
Trustmark Bank, Jackson, MS; (75,000)
Tulsa Teachers Credit Union, Tulsa, OK;
United Mississippi Bank, MS (200);
Union Bank of California, San Francisco, CA
Union State Bank, Arkansas City, KS
United Heritage Credit Union, Austin, TX
United Southern Bank, Umatilla FL (1,500)
US New Mexico Federal Credit Union, Albuquerque, NM
UT-MUO Federal Credit Union, Toledo, OH (410)
United Savings Credit Union, Fargo-Moorehead, ND, (450);
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Credit Union, Oshkosh, WI;
U.S. Bank, St. Louis, MO;
Valley Bank & Trust, Gering, NE (16).
Valley View Bank, Kansas City, MO;
Valley Bank of Helena, Helena, MT
Warren Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, MT; (1,400)
Washington State Employees Credit Union, Olympia, WA (4,000)
Wells Fargo, Utah
Wells Federal Bank, Wells, MN; (160)
WESC Federal Credit Union, Casper, WY (140);
The Warrington Bank, Pensacola, FL
Waterford Bank, NA, Toledo, OH
West Michigan Community Bank, Grandville, MI
Westbound Bank, Katy, TX
Western Security Bank, Billings, MT
White Earth Reservation Federal Credit Union, Mahnomen, MN
West Iowa Bank, West Bend, IA
Western Illinois Credit Union, Macomb, IL;
Wright-Patt Credit Union, Dayton, OH; (17,200)


To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Heartland Data Breach - First Arrests Made

First Arrests Made -Three FL Suspects Arrested on Fraud Charges Tied to Heartland Breach

Three men in Florida were arrested earlier this week on multiple charges of credit card fraud, and some of the card numbers they allegedly used are tied to the Heartland hack.

The Leon County, FL. Sheriff's office arrested area residents Tony Acreus, Jeremy Frazier and Timothy Johns, who had allegedly used stolen credit card numbers since November, according to Sgt. Tony Drzewiecki, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

According to the Tallahassee, FL. Democrat, the suspects were running "a very sophisticated and complex criminal enterprise." Law enforcement is investigating how the three men were able to obtain credit card numbers from the Heartland breach, which was first announced on January 20.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

Heartland Data Breach Update - 220 Institutions

As of yesterday, the number of institutions affected by this massive breach has reached 220. It has extended to Canada, Guam and Bermuda.

Following is the latest up-to-date list of institutions impacted by the Heartland breach and - where available - the total number of cards compromised:

Acadian Federal Credit Union, Fort Kent, ME;
Adams Bank & Trust, Grant, NE; (15)
Alerus Financial, Grand Forks, ND;
Alpine Bank, Aspen, CO (3,500);
Alva State Bank, Alva, OK;
Amboy Bank, Old Bridge, NJ;
American Bank Montana, Bozeman, MT;
American National Bank, Denver, CO (2,500);
American Riviera Bank, Santa Barbara, CA;
Apple Valley Bank, Cheshire, CT (100);
Arkansas County Bank, Stuttgart, AR;
Arvest Bank, Mountain Home, AR;
Association of Vermont Credit Unions, VT (6,000);
Baker Boyer Bank, Walla Walla, WA;
Bangor Federal Credit Union, Bangor, ME (3,000);
BancFirst, Oklahoma City, OK;
Bangor Savings Bank, Bangor, ME (18,000);
Bank of America, St. Louis, MO;
Bank of Bridger, Bridger, MT (80);
The Bank of Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL;
The Bank of Guam, Territory of Guam;
Bank of Monticello, Monticello, MO;
Bank of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK;
Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock, AR;
Bank of Utah, Ogden, UT; (245)
Bank Plus, Graettinger, IA;
BBVA Compass, Birmingham, AL;
Beacon Credit Union, Wabash, IN (4,500)(See what Beacon told their members about the Heartland Breach);
Bellwether Community Credit Union, Manchester, NH;
Big Horn Federal Savings Bank, Greybull, WY (650);
Bermuda Bank, Bermuda;
Brighton Bank, Salt Lake City, UT
Butterfield Bank, Bermuda;
Canadian Tire Financial Services, Niagara, Ontario, Canada (15,000);
Cape Cod Cooperative Bank, Cape Cod, MA (3,600);
Capitol Federal, Topeka, KS (14,000);
Central National Bank, Enid, OK;
The Central National Bank and Trust Company of Enid, Enid OK, (1600);
Central Savings Bank, Sault Ste. Marie, MI (300);
Century Bank FSB, Sarasota, FL (2,200);
Century Bank of Kentucky, Lawrenceburg, KY (1,000);
Charleroi Federal Savings Bank, Charleroi, PA;
Chase Bank, Utah;
Charter Oak Bank, Napa, CA;
Chocolate Bayou Community FCU, Alvin, TX (2500);
Citizens Bank of Newburg, Rolla, MO;
Citizens State Bank of Roseau, Roseau, MN (700);
The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Swainsboro, GA;
Coloramo Federal Credit Union, Grand Junction, CO;
Columbia River Bank, The Dalles, OR;
Community Bank, Alva, OK;
Community Bank of Broward, Weston, FL;
Community Bank of The Red River Valley, Grand Forks, ND;
Community First National Bank of Mountain Home, Mountain Home, AR;
Community Savings Bank, Edgewood, IA (1,000);
Core First Bank, Topeka, KS;
Countybank, Greenwood, SC (3,000);
CU Community Credit Union, Springfield, MO; (16)
Cumberland Security Bank, Pulaski, KY;
Dairy State Bank, Rice Lake, WI (1,500);
Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, Anchorage, AK (10,300):
Dime Bank, Norwich, CT;
Dollar Bank, Pittsburgh, PA;
Dupaco Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA;
DuTrac Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA;
EarthMover Credit Union, Oswego, IL (600);
East Dubuque Savings Bank, Dubuque, IA;
Eastern Maine Medical Center Federal Credit Union, Bangor, ME;
Eastman Credit Union, Kingsport, TN;
Elliott Federal Credit Union, Jeanette, PA (100);
El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union, El Paso, TX (1,000);
Extraco Banks, Killeen, TX (9,000);
Family Community Credit Union, Charles City, IA;
Farmers and Merchants Bank, Stuttgart, AR;
Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Archbold, OH;
Farmers State Bank, West Bend, IA;
Farmers Trust & Savings Bank, Spencer, IA (725)
Fidelity National Bank, West Memphis, AR (1,463);
Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, OH;
The First, A National Banking Association, Hattiesburg, MS;
First & Farmers National Bank, Pulaski, KY;
First Bank, Azle, TX (3,000);
First Bank & Trust, Brookings, SD;
First Bank of Delaware, Wilmington, DE;
First Bank Blue Earth, Blue Earth, MN;
First Bankers Trust Company, Quincy, IL;
First Cheyenne Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, WY (500);
First Citizens National Bank, Charles City, IA;
First Community National Bank, Steelville, MO;
First Enterprise Bank, Oklahoma City, OK;
First Federal Bank, Harrison, AR;
First Financial Bank NA, Terre Haute, IN;
First National Bank of Colorado, Ft. Collins, CO
First National Bank, Carmi, IL;
First National Bank of Farragut-Shenandoah, IA (60);
First National Bank of Hutchinson, KS (1,000);
First National Bank Pratt, Pratt, KS;
First Security Bank & Trust, Charles City, IA (1,400);
1st Source Bank, South Bend, IN;
First State Bank of Illinois, Carthage, IL;
First State Bank, Nora Springs, IA;
First State Bank, Russellville, AR (1,500);
First State Bank of Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff, NE (200);
First Tech Credit Union, Portland, OR;
Five Points Bank, Hastings, NE (200);
Forcht Bank, Kentucky; (8,500);
Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co., Forest Park, IL (500);
Four Corners Community Bank, Farmington, NM;
Franciscan Skemp Credit Union, La Crosse, WI;
Freedom Credit Union, Springfield, MA (2,400);
Gate City Bank, Fargo, ND;
GECU, El Paso, TX (25,000);
Georgetown Savings Bank, Georgetown, MA
GFA Federal Credit Union, Gardner, MA;
The Gordon Bank, Gordon, GA (300);
Great Southern Bank, Springfield, MO;
Health Facilities Federal Credit Union, Florence, SC (3,500);
HealthFirst Federal Credit Union, Waterville, ME; (261)
Heartland Bank, St. Louis, MO;
Heritage Bank, Hastings, NE (50);
Heritage Bank of Nevada, Reno, NV;
Heritage Valley Federal Credit Union, York County, PA;
Home Federal Bank, Treasure Valley, ID (1,800);
Huntington Bank, Ashland, OH;
Idadiv Credit Union, Nampa, ID;
Indiana State University Federal Credit Union, Terre Haute, IN (1,300);
Indiana University Credit Union, Bloomington, IN;
Industrial Credit Union of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA;
Innovations Federal Credit Union, Bay County, FL (400 cards);
Integra Bank, Evansville, IN;
Iowa State Bank, Ruthven, IA;
Iowa State Savings Bank, Knoxville, IA;
Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, Emmetsburg, IA (700);
Kellogg Company Employee Federal Credit Union, Omaha, NE;
Kennebec Savings Bank, Augusta, ME; (1,500);
Kennebunk Saving Bank, ME (7,000);
Kootenay Savings, Trail, British Columbia, Canada;
Lake Country Community Bank, Morristown MN (245);
Lassen County Federal Credit Union, Susanville, CA (600);
Laurens State Bank, Emmetsburg, IA;
Legence Bank, Evansville, IN;
Liberty Bank, Cheshire, CT;
Liberty Bank, South San Francisco, CA;
Marine Bank and Trust, Carthage, IL;
Merchants & Southern Bank, Gainesville, FL;
Mercy Family Credit Union, Mason City, IA;
Michigan Catholic Credit Union, Troy, MI;
Mid America Bank & Trust Co., Rolla, MO; (200)
MidFirst Bank, Tulsa, OK;
Mid-Oregon Credit Union, (4,000);
Monad Federal Credit Union, Pasco, WA;
Monroe Bank & Trust, Monroe, MI;
Mt. McKinley Bank, Fairbanks, AK;
M & T Bank, Buffalo, NY;
NAFT Federal Credit Union, Pharr, TX (250)
Nebraska Land National Bank, NE (150);
North Country Savings Bank, Canton, NY;
North Iowa Community Credit Union, Mason City, IA;
North Star Community Credit Union, Maddock, ND;
Notre Dame Credit Union, South Bend, IN (2,000);
Oak Valley Community Bank, Oakdale, CA;
O Bee Credit Union, Tumwater, WA; (See what O Bee told its members: http://www.obee.com/)
Ohio Valley Community Credit Union, Clarington, OH (690);
Oklahoma Central Credit Union, Tulsa, OK;
Old National Bank, Evansville, IN;
Oregon Territory Federal Credit Union, Salem, OR;
Patriots Bank, Kansas City, MO;
Patterson State Bank, Patterson, LA;
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Alexandria, VA;
PeoplesChoice Credit Union, Saco, ME. (500);
Piedmont Credit Union, Danville, VA (15);
Pine Bluff National Bank, Pine Bluff, AR;
Pinnacle Bank, NE;
Pinnacle Federal Credit Union, Edison, NJ;
The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, Pittsfield, MA;
Planters & Citizens Bank, Camilla, GA (340);
Platte Valley National Bank, Scottsbluff, NE; (388)
Poplar Bluff Federal Credit Union, Poplar Bluff, MO (998);
Port Alliance Federal Credit Union, Norfolk, VA (700);
Premier Bank, Dubuque, IA;
Provident Bank, Baltimore, MD;
Public Service Credit Union, Denver, CO;
Rainier Pacific Bank, Tacoma, WA (5,700);
Regions Financial Corp., Birmingham, AL;
Rivermark Credit Union, Portland, OR;
Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union, Denver, CO;
Schertz Bank & Trust, Schertz, TX (600);
Schools First FCU, Orange County, CA;
Shelby Savings Bank, Center, TX (600);
Shore Community Bank, Toms River, NJ (283);
Simmons First National Corp., Pine Bluff, AR;
South Central Credit Union, Jackson, MI (650);
Southside Credit Union, San Antonio, TX (775);
Sovereign Bank, Northeast U.S.;
Spokane Media Federal Credit Union, Spokane, WA; (330)
The State Bank, La Junta, CO (2075);
State Bank of Texas, Irving, TX;
State Employee's Credit Union (SECU), Raleigh, NC; (60,000)
St. Mary's Bank, Manchester, NH;
The Stock Exchange Bank, Woodward, OK;
Stockman Bank, Billings, MT;
Summit Federal Credit Union, Rochester, NY (500 cards);
Surrey Bank & Trust, Mount Airy, NC;
TD Bank, Portland, ME;
TD Bank North, Portland, ME;
Tinker Federal Credit Union, Enid, OK;
Town & Country Bank, Ravenna, NE;
Triangle Credit Union, Nashua, NH;
TrustCo Bank Corp., Glenville, NY;
Trustmark Bank, Jackson, MS; (75,000)
Tulsa Teachers Credit Union, Tulsa, OK;
United Mississippi Bank, MS (200);
United Savings Credit Union, Fargo-Moorehead, ND, (450);
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Credit Union, Oshkosh, WI;
U.S. Bank, St. Louis, MO;
Valley Bank & Trust, Gering, NE (16).
Valley View Bank, Kansas City, MO;
Warren Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, MT; (1,400)
Washington State Employees Credit Union, Olympia, WA (4,000)
Wells Fargo, Utah
Wells Federal Bank, Wells, MN; (160)
WESC Federal Credit Union, Casper, WY (140);
West Iowa Bank, West Bend, IA
Western Illinois Credit Union, Macomb, IL;
Wright-Patt Credit Union, Dayton, OH; (17,200)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Average Cost of a Data Breach is Now $202


Average Cost of a Data Breach is $202 Per Record
Annual Study Shows 2.3 % Increase Over 2007
February 2, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

The news of the Heartland Payment Systems (HPY) data breach gives new meaning to an annual study of what such a breach truly costs a business.

The average cost of a data breach was $202 per compromised record in 2008, according to the Ponemon Institute's Cost of Data Breach study. This represents a 2.3 percent increase from 2007, when a data breach cost an average of $197 per record. In 2006, the average cost was $182 per record.

The average total cost per reporting company was more than $6.6 million per breach, ranged from $613,000 to almost $32 million.

The study also shows that the cost of lost business continues to carry the highest impact, averaging $4.59 million, or $139 per record compromised, notes Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute. Lost business now accounts for 69 percent of data breach costs, up from 65 percent in 2007 and 54 percent in the 2006 study.

Third-party data breaches are on the increase, and they cost more. Breaches by third-party organizations such as outsourcers, contractors, consultants, and business partners were reported by 44 percent of respondents, up from 40 percent in 2007, 29 percent in 2006, 21 percent in 2005. Per victim cost for third party flubs is $52 higher, says Ponemon -- $231 compared to last year's $179. (Full text at bankinfosecurity.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Sunday, February 1, 2009

Monster.com Data Breach

I missed this one last month. Monster.com announced they had a data breach. Below is their official breach alert.

Monster Database Security Breach Official Alert
January 23, 2009

As is the case with many companies that maintain large databases of information, Monster is the target of illegal attempts to access and extract information from its database. We recently learned our database was illegally accessed and certain contact and account data were taken, including Monster user IDs and passwords, email addresses, names, phone numbers, and some basic demographic data. The information accessed does not include resumes. Monster does not generally collect – and the accessed information does not include - sensitive data such as social security numbers or personal financial data.

Immediately upon learning about this, Monster initiated an investigation and took corrective steps. It is important to know the company continually monitors for any illicit use of information in our database, and so far, we have not detected the misuse of this information.

In order to help assure the security of your information, you may soon be required to change your password upon logging onto the site. Please follow the instructions on the site. We would also recommend you proactively change your password yourself as an added precaution. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, but feel it is important that you take these preventative measures.

As a further precaution, we want to remind you that an email address could be used to target “phishing” emails. Monster will never send an unsolicited email asking you to confirm your username and password, nor will Monster ask you to download any software, “tool” or “access agreement” in order to use your Monster account. Monster’s security page, http://my.monster.com/securitycenter, provides users with a substantial amount of information about different types of Internet fraud. We encourage you to review the information to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself on the Internet.

The protection of your data is a high priority for Monster. Our newly redesigned Web site has, and will continue to add, safety and security features to protect your information and we want you to feel confident using it.

We continue to devote significant resources to ensure Monster has appropriate security controls in place to protect our infrastructure, and while no company can completely prevent unauthorized access to data, Monster believes that by reaching out to job seekers, the company can help users better defend themselves against similar attacks.

We truly value the trust you place in Monster and appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve as your online career resource.

Sincerely,
Patrick Manzo

Senior Vice President, Global Chief Privacy Officer
Monster Worldwide

Subject: Resetting passwords
In an effort to ensure data security for our customers, starting Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at approximately 10:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, we will be instituting a mandatory password reset for all accounts that could potentially be affected. Those affected users will be prompted to change their password on their next login to the site, and will be notified that an email has been sent to their email account of record with a one-time password. To complete the change password process, please use this one-time password to log into your account and create a permanent password that is in compliance with Monster's password standards. Requiring these password resets helps us ensure that accounts are secure from any fraudulent activities. If you encounter any difficulties, please contact Monster Customer Service or your sales representative who can assist you.

An important thing to note is that the password change process is only initiated when you come to the Monster website and as a result an email is sent to you. Do not respond to any other unsolicited emails regarding password changes from Monster. Monster will not contact you by email regarding a password change unless you initiate such a change on the Monster website in accordance with the instructions above.


FAQ

Are you contacting consumers directly?

Monster elected not to send e-mail notifications to avoid the risk those e-mails would be used as a template for phishing e-mails targeting our job seekers and customers. We believe placing a security notice on our site is the safest and most effective way to reach the broadest audience. As an additional precaution, we will be making mandatory password changes on our site.

Have you contacted law enforcement?

We are working with appropriate law enforcement officials.

What security measures do you have in place?

Monster has made, and will continue to make, a significant investment in enhancing data security, and we believe that Monster’s security measures are as, or more, robust than other sites in our industry.

Monster has a full-time worldwide security team, which constantly monitors for both suspicious behavior on our site and illicit use of information in our database. To maintain the integrity of these security and monitoring systems, we cannot provide further details.

Will you be providing additional details about the breach?

Monster is sharing the information necessary to assist and protect our job seekers and customers. As previously mentioned, we cannot disclose specific details of the situation because we need to protect the integrity of our security systems and our ongoing inquiry into this situation.
To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Heartland Update: Class Action Suit Filed

Heartland Update: Class Action Suit Filed
Processor Charged with 'Belated and Inaccurate statements' about Breach
January 29, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

Exactly one week after the Heartland Payment Systems (HPY) breach was first announced to the public, the first lawsuit has been filed against the payments processor.

The class action lawsuit filed Tuesday by Chimicles & Tilellis LLP of Haverford, PA in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of Woodbury, MN resident Alicia Cooper, asserts that Heartland "made unreasonably belated and inaccurate statements concerning the breach."

The complaint says Heartland does not appear to be offering any credit monitoring services or other relief to consumers affected by the breach. Chimicles & Tilellis' complaint also says in addition to the questionable timing of the announcement of its breach, (Read Heartland Class Action suit PDF) "there are materially misleading statements and omissions in Heartland's public description of the breach and its consequences."

Heartland announced the breach in a press release on the same morning of President Barack Obama's inauguration. (Full text at www.bankinfosecurity.com)

All I can say is that Heartland better contact the best in the world for their HUGE new problem, if they haven't already, and that is Kroll Fraud Solutions. This is what they do best, protecting people from id theft and offering restoration services if an identity is compromised.

I will actually be surprised if this doesn't bankrupt Heartland because fixing the situation (helping the victims) will cost more than the fines from the FTC for the violation.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Thursday, January 22, 2009

Heartland Payment Systems Breached

Heartland Payment Systems is the 6th largest in the US. They process over 100 million credit card transactions a month for over 250,000 merchants. Hackers had been in their system for at least 2 months capturing info and transactions.

Heartland Payment Systems, Forcht Bank Discover Data Breaches
Both Companies Might be Victims of Larger Fraud Schemes
January 21, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

Heartland Payment Systems, the sixth-largest payments processor in the U.S., announced Monday that its processing systems were breached in 2008, exposing an undetermined number of consumers to potential fraud.

Meanwhile, Forcht Bank, one of the 10 largest banks in Kentucky, told its customers it would begin reissuing 8,500 debit cards after being informed by its own card processor of a possible breach.

In the case of Heartland, while the company continues to assess the damages inflicted by the attack, Robert Baldwin, the company's president and CFO, says law enforcement has already noted that the attack against his company is part of a wider cyber fraud operation.

...Heartland, headquartered in Princeton, NJ, handles approximately 100 million transactions per month, although the number of unique cardholders is much lower. "It is still a question as to the percentage of the data flow they were able to get," Baldwin says, adding he would not speculate on the number of cards potentially exposed..(Full text at www.bankinfosecurity.com).

So far. Heartland sounds pretty smug about it all. They haven't offered Id Theft protection yet but said this: "Consumers will know if their card account numbers have been used by reviewing their monthly statements. Cardholders should report suspicious activity to their issuing banks (the bank that issued the card, not the card brand). If unauthorized use is confirmed, cardholders are reimbursed for the fraudulent purchases and are not held financially responsible. (Read whole statement at www.2008breach.com)


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