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Mower County Data Breach: Sensitive Health Information Potentially Exposed

KTTC

Mower County, Minnesota – Residents are being urged to monitor their personal information after the county announced a data breach impacting protected health information. The incident, confirmed on Friday, involved “unauthorized access to and acquisition of” sensitive data held by the county.

What Happened?

According to a statement released by Mower County, an investigation revealed that unauthorized individuals gained access to systems containing protected health information. While the county has not yet disclosed the specific nature of the compromised data, it’s likely to include details such as names, addresses, dates of birth, medical records, and potentially other personal identifiers.

Impact on Residents

The potential exposure of this information raises concerns about identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. Residents affected by the breach are advised to take proactive steps to protect themselves. This includes regularly monitoring credit reports, bank statements, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

County Response & Investigation

Mower County officials stated they are working diligently to contain the breach and prevent future incidents. The county has engaged cybersecurity experts to assist with the investigation and implement enhanced security measures. They are also notifying affected individuals and providing resources to help them mitigate potential harm. A full forensic investigation is underway to determine the scope and cause of the breach.

What You Can Do: Protective Measures

• Review Credit Reports: Obtain free credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus and carefully review them for any suspicious activity.
• Monitor Bank and Credit Card Statements: Regularly check your financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
• Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal information. Cybercriminals often exploit data breaches to launch phishing attacks.
• Consider a Fraud Alert or Security Freeze: A fraud alert requires creditors to verify your identity before extending credit. A security freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you've been a victim of identity theft or fraud, report it to the relevant authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local law enforcement agency.

Ongoing Updates

Mower County has established a dedicated webpage and phone line to provide updates and answer questions related to the data breach. Residents are encouraged to visit [Insert County Website Link Here] or call [Insert Phone Number Here] for more information. This is a developing situation, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your personal information.