Western National Group Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers

The June 16, 2023 Data Breach

Western National Group experienced a significant cybersecurity incident on June 16, 2023, which led to unauthorized access to their company network. This breach was identified and confirmed after a thorough investigation conducted by external cybersecurity experts. The breach potentially exposed sensitive personal information of individuals associated with Western National Group.

Information Exposed

• Full name
• Social Security number

Western National Group's Response

Upon discovering the breach, Western National Group acted swiftly to mitigate any potential damage. The company initiated a comprehensive forensic investigation to ascertain the extent of the breach and to identify the specific data that was compromised. They have also been working closely with cybersecurity professionals to secure their systems and prevent future incidents. Additionally, Western National Group is providing affected individuals with complimentary credit monitoring services through Experian IdentityWorksSMCredit 3B to help protect their identities.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you believe your information may have been compromised in this breach, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your identity:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of the complimentary 24-month credit monitoring service offered by Western National Group. You can enroll by visiting the Experian IdentityWorks website.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the major credit bureaus through Annual Credit Report.
3. Place Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit files, which makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to set this up.
4. Consider a Credit Freeze: A more severe step than a fraud alert, a credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely. It’s free to place and lift a freeze, which can be done at the websites of the Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

About Western National Group

Western National Group has been a prominent player in the real estate industry for over 65 years, managing over 160 apartment communities across California and Nevada. They specialize in various aspects of property management, including leasing, on-site management, and maintenance. More information about their services and corporate philosophy can be found on their website.

For further details on the breach and how to protect your information, you can visit the disclosure on the California Attorney General's website.