Covaris Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Info: Details

Covaris, LLC, a biotechnology company specializing in advanced tools for genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery, recently experienced a data breach that may have exposed sensitive personal information.

The breach was disclosed to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office on December 27, 2024. While the exact number of affected individuals has not been disclosed, Covaris has confirmed that the following types of consumer information may have been exposed:

• Social Security numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Dates of birth
• Financial account information
• Health information
• Usernames and passwords

The breach occurred when an unauthorized actor gained access to a dataset containing this information. Covaris has stated that there is no evidence of misuse of the data at this time, but the exposure of such sensitive information poses significant risks, including identity theft and financial fraud.

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

Covaris' response

In response to the breach, Covaris has taken several steps to address the situation and protect affected individuals. The company has conducted a thorough investigation, assessed the security of its network, and notified potentially impacted individuals. Covaris has also reported the incident to relevant regulatory authorities.

To support affected individuals, Covaris is offering 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through Experian IdentityWorks. These services include identity restoration assistance, credit monitoring, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. Affected individuals are encouraged to enroll in these services by March 31, 2025. Instructions for enrollment, including an activation code, are provided in the notice sent to impacted individuals.

Steps for affected individuals

If you believe you may have been affected by the Covaris data breach, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your personal information:

1. Enroll in Experian IdentityWorks: Take advantage of the 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity protection services offered by Covaris. Visit Experian IdentityWorks and use the activation code provided in your notification letter. Be sure to enroll by March 31, 2025.
2. Monitor your financial accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card activity, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
3. Check your credit reports: Obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
4. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file to prevent unauthorized access. A fraud alert notifies creditors to verify your identity before issuing new credit, while a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report.
5. Report suspicious activity: If you notice any signs of identity theft or fraud, report it immediately to your financial institution, the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, and your local law enforcement agency.
6. Stay vigilant: Be cautious of phishing emails or phone calls that may attempt to exploit the breach. Do not share personal information unless you are certain of the recipient's identity.