E-Benefit Solution Data Breach Exposes Sensitive PII & PHI

Benefits administrator, E-Benefit Solution, recently disclosed a significant data breach that may have compromised the personal information of individuals across multiple states. The breach was reported to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office on January 13, 2025, and to the Texas Attorney General's office on January 14, 2025. According to the reports, 1,243 individuals were affected in Texas, while 45 individuals were impacted in Massachusetts.

The breach occurred when an unauthorized actor accessed or acquired sensitive data from E-Benefit Solution's systems. On December 10, 2024, the company confirmed that the compromised data included highly sensitive personal information such as:

• Names
• Addresses
• Social Security numbers
• Medical information
• Health insurance information

This type of data exposure is particularly concerning because it can lead to identity theft, medical fraud, and other forms of misuse. Although there is no evidence that the stolen information has been used for identity fraud so far, the potential risks are significant.

E-Benefit Solution's response

After discovering the breach, E-Benefit Solution took several steps to address the situation and protect affected individuals. The company secured its network, launched an internal investigation, and engaged third-party cybersecurity professionals to assess the scope and impact of the incident. Law enforcement was also notified to assist in tracking down the unauthorized actor responsible for the breach.

E-Benefit Solution has offered affected individuals a complimentary membership to IDX, a ZeroFox company specializing in identity protection and recovery services. This membership includes credit monitoring and other tools to help safeguard against identity theft. The company has also implemented additional security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Steps to take if you are affected by the data breach

If you have been notified that your information was part of the E-Benefit Solution data breach, it is essential to take immediate action to protect yourself. Here are the steps you should consider:

1. Enroll in the complimentary IDX membership: Follow the instructions provided in your notification letter to activate your free credit monitoring service. This will help you monitor your credit for any unusual activity.
2. Place a fraud alert on your credit file: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—to place a fraud alert on your file. This will prompt creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
3. Consider a security freeze: If you are particularly concerned, you can request a security freeze on your credit file. This prevents credit reporting agencies from releasing your credit report without your consent.
4. Review your credit reports: Obtain free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and carefully review them for any unauthorized accounts or discrepancies.
5. Monitor your medical information: Check your health insurance statements and request a year-to-date report of all services paid under your plan. Report any unfamiliar charges or services to your insurance provider.
6. Stay vigilant: Regularly monitor your financial accounts, credit reports, and medical records for any signs of fraud or misuse.

For additional resources, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft website or contact them at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).

For more details about the breach in Massachusetts, you can view the disclosure on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website. Similarly, information about the breach in Texas can be found on the Texas Attorney General's website.