CannonDesign Data Breach Affects 13,049 Individuals, Exposing Social Security Numbers

On January 25, 2023, CannonDesign, a renowned integrated design firm, discovered suspicious activity within their computer network. An unauthorized third party gained access to certain parts of the network between January 19, 2023, and January 25, 2023.

This breach affected a total of 13,049 individuals across the United States, with specific numbers reported in states like Texas (729), Maine (18), and Massachusetts (843).

The breach exposed sensitive consumer information, including:

• Name
• Address
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Driver’s License Number

The severity of this breach is underscored by the type of information accessed, which can be used for identity theft and fraud. The breach was discovered on May 3, 2024, and consumers were notified by August 19, 2024. For more details, you can view the disclosure on the Maine Attorney General's website, the Texas Attorney General's website, the Massachusetts Attorney General's website, and the California Attorney General's website.

Upon discovering the breach, CannonDesign quickly launched an investigation to determine the scope and nature of the incident. They secured their network to prevent further unauthorized access and notified federal law enforcement. CannonDesign is offering 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring services through Experian to those affected. They are also implementing additional security measures and employee training to prevent future incidents.

Steps for Affected Individuals

If you have been affected by this breach, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect your identity:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of the complimentary 24-month Experian IdentityWorks membership offered by CannonDesign.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
3. Check Your Credit Reports: Obtain your free annual credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to check for any suspicious activity.
4. Place Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file to prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name without verification.
5. Consider a Credit Freeze: A credit freeze can offer additional protection by restricting access to your credit report.

For more detailed guidance, you can refer to the information provided by CannonDesign in their notification letter.