Valley Mountain Regional Center Data Breach Exposes SSNs

The July 2023 Security Incident

On August 1, 2023, Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) detected unusual activity within their network environment. Immediate steps were taken to secure the network, and an extensive investigation was launched with the help of independent cybersecurity experts. It was discovered that an unauthorized acquisition of personal and health information occurred around July 29, 2023. A thorough review by a third-party vendor concluded on February 20, 2024, confirming that sensitive data, including personal information, was indeed compromised.

Information Exposed

• Name of individual
• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License number
• Medical Information
• Health Insurance Information

Valley Mountain Regional Center's Response

In response to the breach, VMRC acted swiftly to enhance their security measures. They engaged a leading independent cybersecurity firm to conduct a forensic investigation and reported the incident to the FBI. Additional security enhancements were implemented to reduce the risk of future incidents. VMRC has also cooperated fully with law enforcement investigations and continues to monitor the situation closely. They are offering affected individuals free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services through Cyberscout, a TransUnion company.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you believe your information may have been compromised in this breach, it is crucial to act immediately to protect yourself:

1. Enroll in the provided credit monitoring service to receive alerts of any changes to your credit report.
2. Regularly review your account statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
3. Consider placing a fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit reports.
4. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution and local law enforcement.
5. Use the identity protection PIN from the IRS to prevent tax fraud.

For more detailed guidance on how to protect your information, please visit the FTC’s identity theft webpage.

About Valley Mountain Regional Center

Valley Mountain Regional Center serves individuals with developmental disabilities in several counties, providing diagnosis, assessment, and ongoing support. The center is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with developmental disabilities through innovative services and opportunities.

For further details on the breach and how to protect your information, please refer to the official notifications on the Texas Attorney General's website, the Massachusetts Attorney General's website, and the California Attorney General's website.