Brady Martz & Associates PC Data Breach

What Happened?

On March 5, 2024, Brady Martz & Associates PC, an accounting firm, reported a significant data breach to the Texas Attorney General's office. This breach involved unauthorized access to sensitive personal information belonging to 591 individuals in Texas. The exposed data includes names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, other government-issued ID numbers, financial information, medical information, health insurance information, and dates of birth.

The breach has raised concerns due to the sensitive nature of the information involved, which could potentially be misused for identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities.

What Information Was Compromised?

The data breach at Brady Martz & Associates PC involved a wide array of personal information. Here’s what was exposed:

• Names of individuals: Essential for personal identification, the exposure of names increases the risk of identity theft.
• Social Security Numbers: Highly sensitive and used widely for identity verification, their exposure significantly increases the risk of fraud.
• Driver’s License and Government-issued ID Numbers: These can be used to fake identities or create fraudulent documents.
• Financial Information: Including account numbers and credit or debit card details, which could be used for financial theft.
• Medical and Health Insurance Information: Exposure could lead to medical identity theft or unauthorized access to medical services.
• Date of Birth: Often used in conjunction with other data for identity verification and fraud.

What Should You Do If You Are Affected?

If you believe you were affected by this breach, or if your information matches the types described, immediate action is recommended:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial statements and accounts for any unauthorized activity. Early detection can prevent further damage.
2. Place Fraud Alerts: Contact one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to request a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
3. Consider a Credit Freeze: A more secure option than a fraud alert, a credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely. It’s free to place and lift a freeze.
4. Review Your Medical Statements: Look for any unfamiliar claims or services that you didn’t receive, as these could indicate medical identity theft.
5. Change Passwords and PINs: For any related accounts, especially if the same information is used across multiple platforms.

For detailed information and to verify if your data was compromised in this breach, you can visit the official disclosure on the Texas Attorney General's website.

Affected individuals should take swift action to secure their information and monitor for any signs of misuse. It's also advisable to stay informed and consider subscribing to a credit monitoring service if you are significantly concerned about potential identity theft.