Great Plains Bank Breach Affects 7,767 Customers

Great Plains Bank Corporation recently experienced a significant data breach affecting 7,767 individuals in the United States. This breach was discovered on January 6, 2025, following a ransomware attack that occurred on or around November 21, 2024.

The unauthorized access compromised the bank's network and some of its IT systems, leading to the exposure of sensitive consumer information including social security numbers, drivers' license numbers, and names.

The breach was disclosed to various state Attorney General offices, including Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, on February 19 and 20, 2025. The breach affected one person in Maine and nine in Massachusetts, highlighting the broad reach of the incident.

Great Plains Bank Corporation's Response

In response to the breach, Great Plains Bank Corporation took immediate action to contain the unauthorized access. They notified U.S. federal law enforcement, including the FBI, and engaged leading cybersecurity specialists to assist with the investigation. The bank has since installed monitoring devices to detect any suspicious activity and is working to implement additional safeguards to prevent future incidents.

For those affected, Great Plains Bank is offering one year of complimentary credit protection and monitoring services through Experian. These services are designed to help individuals quickly detect any compromise or possible misuse of their personal information. Affected individuals are encouraged to enroll in Experian IdentityWorks, which provides credit monitoring, identity restoration, and identity theft insurance.

If you believe you have been affected by this breach, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Monitor your credit reports and account statements for any unusual activity. You may also consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit files to further protect your identity.