Article Details

Original Article Text

Click to Toggle View

FBCS data breach impact now reaches 4.2 million people. Debt collection agency Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS) has again increased the number of people impacted by a February data breach, now saying it affects 4.2 million people in the US. FBCS is a US debt collection agency that collects unpaid debts from consumer credit, healthcare, commercial, auto loans and leases, student loans, and utilities. In late April, the firm reported that roughly 1.9 million people in the U.S. had sensitive personal information compromised in a data breach on February 14, 2024. In May, the company upped the number by an additional 1.3 million to 3.2 million people. In a new supplemental notice with the Office of the Maine Attorney General, the company has once again increased the number, stating that the data breach now impacts 4,253,394 people. The exposed data varies per individual but can include the following information: New data breach notifications have been sent out to these additional people, starting on July 23, warning of the increased phishing and fraud risks. Recipients of the notification will also receive instructions on enrolling in a free 24-month credit monitoring and identity restoration service via CyEx. It is not known what type of attack led to the data breach, and no ransomware gangs have claimed responsibility, with the company simply stating that they detected unauthorized access to their internal network. "On February 26, 2024, FBCS discovered unauthorized access to certain systems in its network. This incident did not impact computer systems outside of FBCS's network," reads the data breach notification. Those who are impacted by the data breach should be on the lookout for targeted phishing attacks attempting to steal additional information, such as credentials. It also advised to monitor credit reports for fraudulent activities and loans, as the exposed information can be used for identity theft.

Daily Brief Summary

DATA BREACH // FBCS Data Breach Now Affects Over 4 Million People

FBCS has increased the reported number of individuals affected by their February data breach to 4.2 million.

Initially reported at 1.9 million, the numbers were later adjusted to 3.2 million in May, before reaching the current figure.

Compromised data includes sensitive personal information which varies per individual, heightening risks of identity theft.

All affected individuals are being notified and offered 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity restoration services.

The type of cyber attack responsible for the breach remains unidentified, with no claims from any ransomware groups.

FBCS discovered unauthorized access to its network on February 26, 2024, confirming the breach was confined to their internal systems.

Affected parties are advised to remain vigilant for phishing attempts and to monitor their credit reports for unauthorized activities.