Fluke Data Breach Affects 6,661 Individuals Exposing Social Security Numbers

In recent months, Fluke Corporation, a leader in the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry, experienced a significant data breach. This breach, which involved unauthorized access by two separate third parties, compromised sensitive information of thousands of individuals.

Fluke Corporation detected unusual activity within its network in October and November 2023. This activity was traced to cyber incidents involving unauthorized access by two different third parties. Upon discovery, Fluke immediately engaged external cybersecurity experts to investigate. The investigation revealed that these unauthorized parties had access to Fluke's network from January 25, 2023, until November 6, 2023, when their access was terminated.

The breach affected a total of 6,661 individuals in the United States, including one resident from Maine. The compromised data included highly sensitive personal information such as:

• Full names
• Date of birth
• Social Security numbers
• Driver’s license or state-issued identification card numbers
• Passport numbers
• Birth certificate numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Credit or debit card numbers
• Health insurance information

The severity of this breach is underscored by the extensive range of personal data that was exposed, potentially leading to identity theft and financial fraud.

Fluke Corporation's Response

In response to the breach, Fluke Corporation took several proactive steps. Initially, they issued a precautionary notice in November 2023, offering complimentary credit monitoring to all current employees. By October 3, 2024, Fluke had notified all potentially affected individuals, providing them with 24 months of free credit monitoring services. They also established a dedicated toll-free support line to address any concerns and guide individuals on protecting themselves from identity theft.

Fluke worked closely with forensic consultants to investigate, contain, and eradicate the incidents. They have enhanced their security monitoring capabilities and technical controls to prevent future incidents. Additionally, Fluke notified federal law enforcement authorities to assist in addressing the breach.

Steps to take if you are affected

If you believe you may be affected by this data breach, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your personal information. Here are some recommended steps:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of the 24-month credit monitoring service offered by Fluke. This will help you track any unusual activity on your credit report.
2. Review Financial Statements: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
3. Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
4. Consider a Security Freeze: A security freeze can prevent new creditors from accessing your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on any communications from Fluke and follow their guidance on additional protective measures.

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