Axis Health System Data Breach Includes Social Security Numbers

On August 26, 2024, Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center, known commonly as Axis Health System, detected unusual activity within their computer network. This discovery prompted an immediate response to contain the incident and initiate a thorough investigation.

It was determined that an unauthorized actor gained access to certain computer systems between July 9, 2024, and September 4, 2024. During this period, the intruder potentially accessed and acquired files stored on these systems.

The exposed information includes sensitive personal details such as Social Security numbers and driver's licenses.

For more details, you can view the disclosure on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

In response to the breach, Axis Health System acted to secure their network and launched an investigation to assess the extent of the breach. The organization is reviewing its policies and procedures and is implementing additional security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. They have also reported the incident to law enforcement and notified state regulators as required.

As a precaution, Axis Health System is offering 24 months of complimentary identity monitoring services through Experian to those affected. This service includes identity restoration support and a $1 million identity theft insurance policy.

Steps for Affected Individuals

If you suspect that your information may have been compromised, it is crucial to remain vigilant against identity theft and fraud. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Enroll in Identity Monitoring Services: Take advantage of the complimentary Experian IdentityWorks service offered by Axis Health System. Ensure you enroll by December 31, 2024, using the provided activation code.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. You are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus.
3. Consider a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: Placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file can help protect against unauthorized access to your credit information.

For more information on protecting your identity, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website.