Cyber for Plan Sponsors

FBI Probes COVID-19 Patient Data Breach

08.31.2020

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is surveilling a recent data breach that seized the vital information of coronavirus-positive South Dakota residents. The data breach occurred in June of 2020, and surfaced when a third-party vendor unearthed a database fused between the Department of Health and law enforcement agencies. The database harvested information that was recycled to construct an online portal to subtract the odds of medics and law enforcement acquiring the COVID-19 virus while performing their routine duties. Subsequently, information like names, addresses, dates of birth, and infection statuses was laid bare by the hackers.

However, the Department of Public Safety, or DPS, confirmed no social security numbers or financial data were compromised during the breach. Once learning of the occurrence, the DPS sent letters to the affected individuals, informing them of the data breach and how their data may have been exposed. Victims were encouraged to visit the web page called “South Dakota Consumer Protection” from the Attorney General’s Office, which has advice on preventing identity theft and securing valuable information.

Businesses of all sizes should take steps to protect themselves against cyber-breaches. Consequently, we recommend plan sponsors prepare for the unexpected by investing in Cyber Liability Insurance from Colonial Surety Company. Our Cyber Liability Insurance protects your employee benefit plan from cyber-breaches. Our service-based solution can help your small business effectively respond to data breaches while reducing liability for your employee benefit plan. Cyber Liability Insurance is available in our two-to-three-year ERISA bond packages, including ERISA coverageFiduciary Liability Insurance, and Cyber Liability Insurance, to give you the best value of coverage possible. Click here to get the coverage your company and its employees deserve.