Newport Mariner Wealth Advisors Discloses Data Breach

On January 12, 2025, Newport Advisory, LLC (“Newport”), which is now doing business as Mariner Wealth Advisors, detected suspicious activity on its computer network, prompting an immediate response. According to the official disclosure filed with the California Attorney General’s office, external cybersecurity experts and federal law enforcement were engaged to investigate the incident. The investigation determined that in late December 2024, unauthorized actors accessed and copied files from Newport’s network. The breach was extensive enough to require a full offline shutdown of Newport’s systems as a precaution.

The review of affected files revealed that sensitive personal information was exposed. While the specific data elements for each individual may vary, the types of information included names and other personal identifiers. At this time, Newport has stated there is no evidence that the stolen information has been misused. However, the company is continuing to monitor for any signs of misuse on the dark web or elsewhere.

The breach impacted an undisclosed number of individuals, including at least three Rhode Island residents, as noted in the consumer notice. Financial transactions and systems at separate entities were not affected, as these operate independently from the compromised network. The company has not yet attributed the attack to a specific threat actor or group.

For more details, you can read the official breach disclosure on the California Attorney General’s website.

Newport Advisory / Mariner Wealth Advisors' response

In response to the breach, Mariner Wealth Advisors promptly took its entire network offline and began working closely with cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement. The company has started securely integrating its IT systems into the Mariner Wealth Advisors network, as Newport recently became part of Mariner. Additional security monitoring tools and configuration changes have been implemented to strengthen defenses during the transition.

For those affected, Newport is offering a complimentary two-year membership to Experian IdentityWorks, which provides credit monitoring, identity restoration services, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. Enrollment is available online or by phone, and does not require a credit card or affect your credit score. Newport encourages all affected individuals to take advantage of this service and to remain vigilant by monitoring account statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.

If you have concerns or need assistance, Newport has set up a dedicated support team available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST. Instructions for activating credit monitoring and additional tips for protecting yourself from identity theft are included in the notice to consumers, which will be available in PDF format at the bottom of this page.

About Newport Advisory, LLC (“Newport”)

Newport Advisory, LLC is a financial services firm based in Newport Beach, California, founded in 1999. The company specializes in business planning, risk management, estate planning, retirement planning, investment management, and legacy planning.

As of December 2024, Newport became part of Mariner Wealth Advisors, expanding its resources and expertise. The team continues to offer personalized financial guidance under the Mariner name.

For more information about the company and its services, visit the Mariner Wealth Advisors website.