Directive Communication Systems Data Breach: Details

The November 2023 Data Breach at Directive Communication Systems

In early November 2023, Directive Communication Systems, Inc. (DCS) experienced a significant security incident when an unauthorized individual accessed parts of their platform. The breach was first noticed due to an application outage reported on November 12, 2023. Subsequent investigations revealed that the unauthorized access occurred on November 5, 2023, where the intruder potentially accessed files and folders containing sensitive personal information. Although there is no concrete evidence that the information was actually removed or misused, the potential exposure prompted immediate action from DCS.

Information Exposed

The data potentially accessed during this incident included:

• Full name
• Social Security Number
• Financial Account Info
• Credit/Debit Card Numbers

Directive Communication Systems, Inc's Response

Upon discovering the breach, DCS acted swiftly to secure their systems and mitigate any potential damage. They launched a thorough investigation to ascertain the scope of the breach and to identify the vulnerabilities that were exploited. DCS has also enhanced their security measures to prevent future incidents. In response to the breach, they are offering affected individuals a complimentary membership in Experian IdentityWorksSM, which includes identity theft protection and credit monitoring services. This service is intended to help prevent misuse of the exposed information and assist in quick recovery should any identity theft occur.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you believe your information might have been exposed in this breach, taking prompt action is crucial. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of the complimentary Experian IdentityWorksSM membership offered by DCS. You can enroll by visiting Experian IdentityWorks and using the activation code provided by DCS.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
3. Place a Fraud Alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place an alert.
4. Consider a Security Freeze: A more drastic measure is to place a security freeze on your credit reports, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely. This can prevent new account openings but does not affect your credit score.

About Directive Communication Systems, Inc

Directive Communication Systems, Inc. specializes in managing and organizing the digital and offline personal account portfolios of deceased individuals. Their services assist attorneys and personal representatives in handling a decedent's accounts according to their final wishes, ensuring privacy and compliance throughout the process.

For further details on the breach and how to protect your information, please refer to the official notice to consumers provided by Directive Communication Systems, Inc.