GlobalWafers Data Breach Affects 10,780 Individuals, Includes Social Security Numbers

On September 20, 2024, MEMC, LLC, a subsidiary of GlobalWafers, discovered a data breach that compromised sensitive information. This breach affected 10,780 individuals in the United States, with specific numbers reported in various states, including 2,796 in Texas, 27 in Massachusetts, and 5 in Maine.

The breach occurred when the ransomware group, BlackBasta, gained accessed GlobalWafers's network on June 12, 2024. The group managed to extract certain files containing personal information. The breach was identified after an extensive forensic investigation and manual document review, which concluded on August 15, 2024.

The exposed information includes:

• Names
• Social Security Numbers
• Driver’s License Numbers
• Government-issued ID Numbers (e.g., passport, state ID card)
• Financial Information (e.g., account numbers, credit or debit card numbers)

Upon discovering the breach, the company took action to secure their network and eliminate the threat. They engaged external cybersecurity professionals to conduct a forensic investigation and have been working closely with law enforcement. MEMC has also notified affected individuals and is offering complimentary access to Equifax Credit Watch Gold for credit monitoring.

Steps for Affected Individuals

If you are affected by this breach, it is crucial to take the following steps to protect your personal information:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of the complimentary Equifax Credit Watch Gold service provided by MEMC, LLC. This service offers credit monitoring, identity restoration support, and up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance coverage.
2. Place a Fraud Alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit files. This will prompt creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can contact any of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—to set this up.
3. Consider a Security Freeze: If you are particularly concerned about identity theft, you may place a security freeze on your credit report. This prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name without your explicit permission.
4. Regularly Check Your Credit Reports: Obtain your free annual credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus. Review them for any discrepancies or unauthorized activity.
5. Stay Vigilant: Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports regularly for any signs of fraudulent activity.

For more detailed information, you can view the official disclosures on the Maine Attorney General's website, the Texas Attorney General's website, and the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.