Orange County's Credit Union Data Breach

Incident Overview

On February 2, 2024, Orange County’s Credit Union (OCCU) detected unauthorized access to a limited number of files within their file system. The breach was swiftly identified, and immediate steps were taken to secure the system and prevent further unauthorized access. The investigation revealed that an unauthorized party had briefly gained access to certain files in OCCU's repository. Although there is no evidence that the accessed files were downloaded or that the exposed information has been misused, the files did contain sensitive personal information.

Information Exposed

• Name
• Social Security number
• Financial account number

OCCU's Proactive Measures

In response to the breach, OCCU has taken several steps to address the situation and mitigate any potential harm. These measures include securing the affected system to prevent further unauthorized access and partnering with cybersecurity experts to enhance security protocols. Additionally, OCCU is offering affected members a complimentary one-year membership to Experian IdentityWorksSM Credit 3B, which provides credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. This service is intended to help detect potential misuse of personal information and assist with the resolution of identity theft.

Recommended Actions for Affected Individuals

If you believe your information may have been compromised in this breach, it is recommended to take the following steps to protect your identity:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of the complimentary credit monitoring service offered by OCCU. You can enroll by visiting Experian IdentityWorks and using the provided activation code.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial statements and accounts for any unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions immediately.
3. Place Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, which makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place an alert.
4. Consider a Credit Freeze: A more drastic step is to place a credit freeze on your reports, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely. This can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
5. Stay Informed: Regularly review the information provided by the Federal Trade Commission regarding identity theft, and follow their recommendations to protect yourself.

About Orange County’s Credit Union ("OCCU")

Orange County’s Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution that has served its members since 1938. With over 116,000 members and more than $2 billion in assets, OCCU offers a variety of financial services to its members in Southern California. Recognized for its commitment to customer service and community involvement, OCCU continues to strive for excellence in providing secure and reliable banking solutions.

For more detailed information about the breach and how to protect your information, please refer to the official notice provided by OCCU.