Catholic Charities of San Francisco Data Breach

Understanding the Catholic Charities of San Francisco Data Breach

In a recent development, Catholic Charities CYO of The Archdiocese of San Francisco has reported a network security incident that may have compromised personal information. As a valued member of their community, it's crucial to understand the scope of this incident and the steps you can take to protect your personal data.

The breach was discovered when Catholic Charities detected unauthorized access to their systems. They immediately launched an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts. It was confirmed that between September 13, 2023, and September 29, 2023, certain files containing personal information were potentially accessed without authorization.

If you're concerned about the safety of your personal information, Catholic Charities is offering a complimentary 24-month membership for Single Bureau Credit Monitoring services through Cyberscout, part of Identity Force, a TransUnion company. This service includes credit monitoring, a credit report, a credit score, and proactive fraud assistance.

Immediate Steps to Take:

1. Enroll in Complimentary Credit Monitoring

To take advantage of the free credit monitoring services, visit the Cyberscout website and use the unique code provided in the notice from Catholic Charities. Remember, you must enroll within 90 days from the date of the letter.

1. Obtain and Monitor Your Credit Report

You're entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting companies. Obtain yours by calling 1-877-322-8228, visiting AnnualCreditReport.com, or by completing and mailing the Annual Credit Report Request Form.

1. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File

An initial 1-year fraud alert is advisable. This can be done by contacting any one of the credit bureaus. Once confirmed, they will notify the others. For more information, visit Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

1. Place a Security Freeze on Your Credit File

A security freeze prevents credit bureaus from releasing your credit report without your permission. This can be an effective way to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without consent. Contact Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to set up a freeze.

1. Additional Resources and Steps

Stay vigilant by regularly checking your credit reports. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact local law enforcement to file a report. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission if you suspect identity theft.

Catholic Charities takes the privacy and security of personal information seriously and has implemented measures to enhance the protection of your data. For any further questions, you can reach out to their dedicated response line, which is staffed with professionals knowledgeable about this incident.

For Massachusetts residents, you have the right to obtain a police report if you are a victim of identity theft. This right is protected under Massachusetts law and can be an essential step in recovering from identity theft.

To learn more about the incident and the services provided by Catholic Charities, you can review the full notice to consumers on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

Catholic Charities CYO of The Archdiocese of San Francisco is dedicated to helping individuals and families in need. Their commitment extends to ensuring the safety and security of the personal information of those they serve. For more information about their programs and services, please visit their official website.