Home Federal Bank Data Breach Leaks Social Security Numbers

On June 26, 2024, Home Federal Bank discovered a data breach that exposed sensitive consumer information. The breach involved unauthorized access to the bank's systems, where cybercriminals obtained personal details of numerous customers.

The compromised data includes:

• Full names
• Social Security numbers
• Addresses
• Dates of birth

The breach was detected during a routine security audit, prompting an immediate investigation by external cybersecurity experts. The investigation revealed that the attackers exploited a vulnerability in the bank's software, allowing them to infiltrate the system and access sensitive data. The exact number of affected individuals has not been disclosed, but the breach's severity is significant given the nature of the information exposed.

Home Federal Bank's Response

Upon identifying the breach, Home Federal Bank took swift action to mitigate the damage and protect its customers. The bank has engaged with cybersecurity professionals to enhance their security measures and prevent future incidents. Additionally, they have notified affected individuals and offered a complimentary two-year membership of identity theft protection services through Experian IdentityWorks. This service includes credit monitoring, identity restoration support, and $1 million in identity theft insurance.

Steps for Affected Individuals

If you have received a notification from Home Federal Bank about this data breach, here are some important steps you should take to protect yourself:

1. Enroll in Identity Theft Protection: Activate your complimentary Experian IdentityWorks membership by visiting Experian IdentityWorks and using the provided activation code.
2. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can obtain a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus at Annual Credit Report.
3. Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will notify creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
4. Consider a Security Freeze: If you are particularly concerned about identity theft, you may want to place a security freeze on your credit file. This prevents credit reporting agencies from releasing your credit report without your consent. You can do this by contacting each of the credit bureaus:
1. Equifax Security Freeze
2. Experian Security Freeze
3. TransUnion Security Freeze

1. Stay Vigilant: Regularly review your financial statements and credit reports for any irregularities. Report any suspicious activity to the relevant financial institutions and law enforcement agencies.

For further details, you can view the full notice to consumers on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.