Higginbotham Data Breach Affects 9k Texans: SSNs Exposed

In early 2025, Higginbotham Insurance Agency Inc. (HIA), a major independent insurance brokerage, experienced two separate network disruptions that led to a data breach. The incidents occurred on Feb. 5 and April 8, 2025, when an unknown third party gained unauthorized access to certain files on the company’s network for a brief period.

The company launched an investigation with third-party cybersecurity specialists to determine the full scope of the incident. This comprehensive review, completed by Sept. 25, 2025, revealed that the exposed information included individuals’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers and financial information such as account numbers or credit and debit card numbers.

In Texas, 9,089 residents were affected by the breach, while one New Hampshire resident was identified as impacted.

The company began notifying affected individuals by U.S. mail starting Dec. 23, 2025, and continued through March 2, 2026. The breach was officially disclosed to the attorneys general offices of New Hampshire and Texas.

Higginbotham Insurance Agency's response

For those affected, HIA is offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through Cyberscout, a TransUnion company. Impacted individuals can enroll in these services for 12 months, which include credit file monitoring, alerts for changes, and proactive fraud assistance.

The company’s notice encourages individuals to remain vigilant by reviewing credit reports and account statements for suspicious activity. It also provides guidance on placing fraud alerts or credit freezes with the major credit bureaus to further protect against identity theft.

Given the nature of the information exposed, it is important for those affected to take advantage of the credit monitoring services, monitor their financial accounts closely, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if any suspicious activity is detected.