The Bernstein Companies Data Breach

What Happened?

The Bernstein Companies, a real estate firm with a history dating back to 1933, experienced a data security incident that may have led to unauthorized access to sensitive information belonging to its employees and business venture investors. The breach was disclosed to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, and the public notification was issued on March 12, 2024.

The compromised data includes personal details such as names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and financial information. As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that the exposed information has been misused. However, The Bernstein Companies has taken this situation very seriously and has implemented measures to prevent further unauthorized access.

In response to the incident, The Bernstein Companies has disconnected all network access, changed administrative credentials, restored operations in a secure mode, and enhanced their security measures. Furthermore, they are offering affected individuals access to credit monitoring services for 24 months at no charge, provided by Cyberscout, through Identity Force, a TransUnion company.

If you believe you might be affected, it is crucial to stay vigilant and monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any unusual activity. The Bernstein Companies has provided a list of steps you can take to help protect your information, which includes placing fraud alerts, obtaining credit reports, and considering a security freeze on your credit files.

For more information and to enroll in the offered credit monitoring services, please follow the instructions provided in the Notice to Consumers on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

Next Steps if You Are Affected

• Review Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial statements and look for any charges or activities that you do not recognize.

• Check Your Credit Reports: You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus annually. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request yours.

• Consider Fraud Alerts or a Credit Freeze: Adding a fraud alert to your credit files makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which can prevent new accounts from being opened without your permission.

• Report Identity Theft: If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

• Use the Offered Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of the free credit monitoring services provided by The Bernstein Companies to stay informed of any changes to your credit file.

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any new information regarding the breach and follow any additional recommendations from The Bernstein Companies.

Remember, The Bernstein Companies regrets any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause and remains committed to maintaining the privacy and security of all personal information in their control. If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can reach out to their dedicated support line as provided in their consumer notice.