Ampersand Data Breach: Personal Info Accessed in 2023

What Happened?

On or around September 28, 2023, National Cable Communications LLC, doing business as Ampersand, experienced a significant cybersecurity incident. This sophisticated attack allowed unauthorized access to certain data within the company's systems. The breach was identified and disclosed after a thorough investigation, which concluded that personal information, including full names and other sensitive details, had been compromised.

Immediate Actions Taken

Upon discovery of the breach, National Cable Communications acted swiftly to contain the incident and mitigate any potential damage. The company engaged external cybersecurity experts to assist in a forensic investigation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the breach's scope and impact. By March 1, 2024, it was confirmed that personal information had indeed been accessed and possibly acquired by an unauthorized actor.

Information Involved

The data accessed during this breach primarily included personal information such as full names and additional undisclosed data details. While there is no evidence to suggest that this information has been misused, the potential for identity theft and fraud cannot be ignored, given the nature of the data involved.

Protective Measures Offered

To safeguard the affected individuals against potential misuse of their information, National Cable Communications has partnered with IDX, A ZeroFox Company, to offer complimentary identity theft protection services. These services include 24 months of credit and CyberScan monitoring, a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy, and fully managed identity theft recovery services. Affected individuals are encouraged to enroll in these services using the provided Enrollment Code.

Recommendations for Affected Individuals

1. Credit Monitoring Activation: It is crucial for affected individuals to activate the credit monitoring services provided to ensure continuous monitoring of any unusual activities on their credit reports.
2. Fraud Alerts: Placing a fraud alert on your credit files with major credit bureaus such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. This alert lasts one year and can be renewed.
3. Security Freeze: Consider placing a security freeze on your credit reports. This prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely, which helps prevent new account openings in your name. This can be done without cost by contacting the three major credit bureaus directly.
4. Regular Credit Report Checks: Obtain your free annual credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and review it for any discrepancies or unauthorized activities.
5. Stay Vigilant: Regularly monitor your financial account statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you spot anything suspicious, report it immediately to your financial institution.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information and assistance, affected individuals can reach out to IDX for support related to the breach and the services offered. It is also advisable to review the detailed notice provided by National Cable Communications, which outlines further steps to protect your personal information and details the support available.

By taking these steps, individuals affected by the National Cable Communications data breach can better secure their personal information and mitigate the potential impacts of this incident.