A significant data breach at SRP Federal Credit Union has compromised the personal information of over 240,000 individuals. The South Carolina-based institution confirmed the breach, which occurred over a two-month period between September 5 and November 4, 2024. The credit union, entrusted with sensitive financial data of numerous Americans, discovered the unauthorized access during a network security check and promptly involved law enforcement.

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Scope of the Breach

While the initial notice to Maine regulators mentioned names and government-issued identification as compromised data, a subsequent filing with Texas authorities revealed a more extensive list. This included Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, and financial details such as account and credit/debit card numbers. Fortunately, SRP stated that their online banking and core processing systems remained unaffected.

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Responsibility and Legal Implications

Although SRP has not officially identified the perpetrators, the ransomware group Nitrogen has stepped forward, claiming to possess 650 GB of stolen customer data. This raises the possibility of a ransomware attack, where hackers demand payment to restore access to compromised systems. The Murphy Law Firm is currently investigating potential legal action on behalf of affected individuals, including a possible class-action lawsuit against the credit union. SRP has pledged to offer free identity theft protection services to those impacted.

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Protecting Yourself

If you're an SRP customer, it's crucial to take proactive steps to mitigate potential damage. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity, place fraud alerts with credit bureaus, and consider freezing your credit. Utilize identity theft protection services, change your online passwords, and be vigilant against phishing scams. Ensuring your devices have up-to-date operating systems and antivirus software is also paramount. Finally, explore personal data removal services to minimize your online footprint.

Key Takeaway

The SRP breach underscores the vulnerability of personal data in today's digital landscape. The extended period of unauthorized access highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Swift action is crucial for affected individuals to protect themselves from potential financial and identity theft risks.