College of the Canyons Data Breach

Understanding the College of the Canyons Data Breach

The Santa Clarita Community College District, operating under the medical practice industry, has recently fallen victim to a cybersecurity incident. The breach, which occurred between August 21, 2023, and August 27, 2023, led to the exposure of sensitive consumer information. This data included names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, passport numbers, driver's license numbers, health insurance information, and general health information.

In response to this incident, Keenan & Associates, the insurance brokerage company handling the case, has taken several measures. They have implemented additional security protocols to bolster their network and internal systems. Furthermore, they are actively supporting the federal law enforcement investigation to get to the bottom of this breach.

If you are concerned that your information may have been compromised, Keenan & Associates is offering a complimentary 24-month membership in Experian® IdentityWorksSM Credit 1B. This service provides monitoring to detect possible misuse of your personal information and offers identity protection services. To activate your membership or for more information, visit the Experian IdentityWorks website and use the provided activation code before April 30, 2024.

Steps to Protect Your Information

• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial account statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
• Credit Report Access: You are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus. Obtain yours at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
• Consider a Security Freeze: This restricts access to your credit file, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
• Set Up Fraud Alerts: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports to require businesses to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
• Stay Informed: For more detailed information on these steps and additional resources, visit the California Attorney General’s data breach report.

What to Do If You Suspect Identity Theft

If you suspect identity theft or have noticed suspicious activity, it's crucial to act immediately:

• Report to Authorities: Contact the Federal Trade Commission and your local law enforcement.
• Get a Police Report: If you are a victim of identity theft, you have the right to file a police report.
• Contact Credit Bureaus: If necessary, reach out to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place freezes or alerts on your credit reports.

Support and Assistance

Keenan & Associates deeply regrets the inconvenience and concern this incident may have caused. They have established a dedicated call center to address any questions or concerns you may have. You can reach them at 800-459-6125, Monday through Friday, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Remember, protecting your personal information is a collaborative effort between you, service providers, and the authorities. By taking the steps outlined above and staying vigilant, you can help safeguard your identity and financial well-being. For further guidance, please refer to the full Notice to Consumers provided by Keenan & Associates.