GardaWorld Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Info

What Happened?

On October 30, 2023, GardaWorld Cash U.S., a leading security services company, experienced a significant cybersecurity incident. The breach was first detected on November 16, 2023, when unauthorized access was discovered in some of the company's administrative systems located in Florida. Upon discovery, immediate actions were taken to secure the systems, and a comprehensive investigation was launched with the help of external cybersecurity experts.

The investigation revealed that an unauthorized actor had accessed and copied certain administrative files during the period between October 30 and November 16, 2023. The data compromised in this breach included sensitive personal information such as names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, and possibly insurance, benefit, or other health-related information.

For detailed information on the breach, you can view the official disclosures on the Maine Attorney General's website and the California Attorney General's website.

What Is Being Done?

In response to the data breach, GardaWorld Cash has taken steps to address the situation and prevent future incidents. The company has secured the affected systems and continues to assess and enhance their security measures. Additionally, they have arranged for affected individuals to receive a complimentary 2-year subscription to CyEx Identity Defense Total. This service provides monitoring of your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion credit reports, alerting you to changes that could indicate fraudulent activity.

To activate this service, affected individuals should visit Identity Defense Activation and follow the enrollment instructions provided in the notice letter sent by GardaWorld. The deadline for enrollment is June 25, 2024.

What You Can Do?

If you believe you might have been affected by this breach, it is crucial to stay vigilant and take steps to protect your personal information. Here are some actions you can take:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.
2. Credit Reports: Obtain your free annual credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com and review them for discrepancies.
3. Place a Credit Freeze: Consider placing a credit freeze on your reports. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. More information about how to do this can be obtained directly from the websites of the Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
4. Set Fraud Alerts: Place fraud alerts on your credit reports. This warns creditors that you may be an identity theft victim and they should verify that anyone seeking credit in your name is actually you.

For More Information

If you have further questions or need assistance, GardaWorld Cash has set up a dedicated helpline at 855-457-5962, available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM CST. They take the protection of personal information very seriously and are committed to helping affected individuals navigate this situation.

Remember, taking proactive steps to protect your personal information can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and its potential impact on your life.