Byte Federal Bitcoin ATMs Data Breach Affects 58,000 Americans

Byte Federal Inc., one of the largest Bitcoin ATM operators in the United States, experienced a significant data breach on September 30, 2024.

The company discovered the breach on November 18, 2024, and has since disclosed the incident to multiple state attorney general offices. The breach has affected a reported total of 58,000 individuals across the United States.

The breach exposed a wide range of sensitive consumer information, including:

• Name of the individual
• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License number
• Government-issued ID number (e.g., passport, state ID card)
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Transaction activity
• Photographs of users

This breach is particularly severe due to the nature of the information exposed. The compromised data includes highly sensitive personal identifiers, such as Social Security Numbers and government-issued IDs, which can be used for identity theft and fraud.

Additionally, transaction activity and photographs of users were also accessed, further heightening the potential risks to affected individuals.

The breach was disclosed to state attorney general offices on the following dates:

• California on December 12, 2024
• Maine on December 14, 2024
• Massachusetts on December 11, 2024
• Texas on December 17, 2024

The number of affected individuals varies by state, with Texas reporting 2,338 residents impacted, Maine reporting 111, and Massachusetts reporting 791.

The company notified affected consumers on December 12, 2024, through written communication.

Byte Federal's response

In response to the breach, Byte Federal Inc. has notified affected individuals and regulatory authorities in compliance with state data breach laws. The company has also provided detailed disclosure reports to attorney general offices in California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Texas, outlining the scope of the breach and the types of data exposed.

While specific details about the measures Byte Federal has taken to secure its systems post-breach are not included in the disclosure, the company has acted promptly to inform consumers and regulators.

Affected individuals were notified via written communication beginning on December 12, 2024, to ensure they are aware of the potential risks and can take appropriate action.

Steps to take if you are affected by the data breach

If you have received a notification from Byte Federal Inc. regarding this data breach, it is essential to take immediate steps to protect yourself. Given the sensitive nature of the information exposed, including Social Security Numbers and government-issued IDs, here are some recommended actions:

1. Monitor your credit reports: Request free copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and review them for any unauthorized activity.
2. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file to make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Alternatively, you can place a credit freeze, which restricts access to your credit report entirely.
3. Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication: If you use Byte Federal’s services, update your account password immediately. Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
4. Watch for phishing attempts: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to be from Byte Federal or other financial institutions. Scammers may attempt to exploit the breach to obtain additional personal information.
5. File your taxes early: To prevent tax-related identity theft, file your taxes as soon as possible. This reduces the chance of someone using your Social Security Number to file a fraudulent tax return.
6. Consider identity theft protection services: If offered by Byte Federal or independently, enrolling in identity theft protection services can provide additional monitoring and assistance in the event of fraudulent activity.
7. Report suspicious activity: If you notice any unauthorized transactions or accounts, report them immediately to your financial institution, the credit bureaus, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Taking these steps can help mitigate the risks associated with this data breach and protect your personal information from further misuse.