Search, Inc. Data Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers

On Nov. 26, 2025, Search, Inc., a Chicago-based nonprofit, disclosed a data security incident. The breach was first detected on March 10, 2025, when unusual activity was discovered in one of the organization’s email accounts. Upon identifying the suspicious activity, Search, Inc. secured the affected account and brought in a specialized third-party cybersecurity firm to conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation.

The investigation revealed that a single email account had been compromised. After securing the account, Search, Inc. undertook a detailed review to determine what information was potentially exposed and which individuals were affected.

The data at risk varied for each person but included a wide range of sensitive information: name, Social Security number, financial account information, credit card information and access code, driver’s license or state identification card number, contact and demographic information, passport information, medical information, health insurance information, public benefit or program identification number, login username and password, date of birth and, in some cases, date of death.

Search, Inc.'s response

To support those affected, Search, Inc. has mailed individual notifications to impacted persons, detailing what specific information was involved for each recipient. The organization encourages all potentially affected individuals to remain vigilant by monitoring their account statements and credit reports for any signs of suspicious or unauthorized activity. They recommend contacting financial institutions and major credit bureaus to discuss protective measures such as placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on credit files.

Search, Inc. has also provided resources and guidance, including instructions for obtaining free credit reports, placing fraud alerts or credit freezes, and contacting the Federal Trade Commission for further assistance.