Pantana Accounting Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers, Over 4,100 Affected

The February 2024 Data Breach at Pantana Accounting and Tax

On February 24, 2024, Pantana Accounting and Tax detected unusual activity on their network. This discovery led to an immediate investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity specialists. It was determined that an unauthorized access occurred between February 23 and February 24, 2024. The breach was confined to a specific portion of the network, which was promptly identified and reviewed to ascertain the type of information compromised.

Information Exposed

• Name
• Social Security Number

Pantana Accounting and Tax's Response

Following the discovery of the data breach, Pantana Accounting and Tax undertook several measures to address the incident. The company reviewed and updated their data protection policies and procedures to prevent future occurrences. They also notified law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation. As a precautionary measure, Pantana Accounting and Tax is offering affected individuals access to credit monitoring and identity protection services at no cost. These services are designed to alert consumers of any changes in their credit reports and provide assistance in case of identity theft.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you believe your information has been compromised in this breach, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your identity.

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring Services: Take advantage of the free credit monitoring services provided by Pantana Accounting and Tax. You can enroll here using the unique code provided in the notice.
2. Review Your Credit Reports: Obtain your free annual credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and review them for any discrepancies or unfamiliar activities.
3. Place a Fraud Alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Contact any of the three major credit bureaus to set this up.
4. Consider a Credit Freeze: A more severe option is to place a credit freeze on your reports, which stops all access to your credit report.
5. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank statements and accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Immediately report any suspicious activity to your financial institution.

About Pantana Accounting and Tax

Pantana Accounting and Tax specializes in providing payroll and tax services to individuals and employers. They emphasize the importance of client data security and are committed to maintaining high standards of protection for personal information.

For more detailed information about the breach and how to protect yourself, please refer to the full consumer notice provided by Pantana Accounting and Tax to the Maine Attorney General.