Walsworth Data Breach Affects 10,924 Texans

On December 26, 2023, Walsworth Publishing Company experienced a significant data breach that exposed sensitive consumer information. The breach affected thousands of individuals across multiple states, with the compromised data including highly sensitive personal and financial details.

The types of information exposed in the breach were extensive and included:

• Names
• Social Security numbers
• Driver's license numbers
• Financial account information
• Payment card information (including card numbers, expiration dates, and CVV/security codes)
• Medical information
• Health insurance information

The breach impacted at least 10,924 individuals in Texas, 2,090 in Massachusetts, and 1,044 in South Carolina. The total number of affected individuals across other states remains unclear at this time.

Details about how the breach occurred or the specific vulnerabilities exploited have not been disclosed. However, the severity of the breach is evident given the breadth of the data exposed, which could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other risks for those affected.

For more information, you can view the official disclosures from the Texas Attorney General's Office, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, the California Attorney General's Office, and the South Carolina Attorney General's Office.

Walsworth Publishing Company's response

Walsworth Publishing Company has notified affected consumers via U.S. Mail, as required by law. Additionally, the company has filed data breach notifications with the attorneys general of several states, including Texas, Massachusetts, California, and South Carolina. These filings provide details about the breach and the types of data exposed.

While the company has not publicly disclosed specific steps it has taken to secure its systems or prevent future breaches, affected individuals are encouraged to review the official notices linked above for further details.

Steps to take if you are affected by the data breach

If you have received a notification from Walsworth Publishing Company or suspect that your information may have been compromised, it is essential to take immediate action to protect yourself. Here are some steps you should consider:

1. Monitor your financial accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your financial institution immediately.
2. Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit: Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Alternatively, consider placing a credit freeze for added security.
3. Obtain your free credit report: Federal law allows you to request one free credit report per year from each of the three credit reporting agencies at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your reports for any unauthorized accounts or inquiries.
4. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Scammers may use the breach as an opportunity to send fraudulent emails or calls pretending to be from Walsworth or other institutions. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information over the phone.
5. Consider identity theft protection services: Depending on the severity of the breach, Walsworth may offer free credit monitoring or identity theft protection services. Check the notification letter you received for details.
6. File a report if necessary: If you believe your identity has been stolen, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov and consider contacting your local law enforcement.

By taking these steps, you can mitigate the potential risks posed by the breach and better safeguard your personal and financial information.