Horizon Media Data Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers

Horizon Media Inc., the largest independent media agency in the world according to COMvergence data, disclosed a data breach that exposed sensitive personal information.

The total number of individuals affected has not been disclosed, however, at least 10 Vermont residents were identified as affected.

The types of consumer data compromised in the incident included Social Security numbers and government ID numbers and health records.

Horizon Media's response to the breach

Individuals who believe they may have been impacted by the Horizon Media breach should watch for official correspondence from the company.

If Horizon Media sends direct notifications to affected individuals, those communications may detail the protective services that are available and how to enroll in them.

Steps to take if your information was exposed

• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit files. Contact Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742) and TransUnion (1-800-680-7289) to help prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
• Review your credit reports for unfamiliar activity. Request free copies at AnnualCreditReport.com and carefully check for any accounts, inquiries or addresses you do not recognize.
• Monitor your health insurance statements closely. Review Explanation of Benefits documents from your insurer and watch for charges related to medical services, prescriptions or equipment you did not receive.
• Consider requesting a replacement government-issued ID. If your driver's license or state ID number was exposed, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles about obtaining a new credential with a different number.
• Request an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. An IP PIN, available at irs.gov, can help prevent someone from filing a fraudulent federal tax return using your Social Security number.
• Be cautious of phishing attempts that reference this breach. Scammers often exploit data breach news by sending emails, calls or texts that mention Horizon Media to trick people into sharing additional personal information.