Ransomware Hits Patelco Credit Union, Steals Customer and Employee Data

Patelco Credit Union revealed a ransomware attack compromising member and employee data, raising concerns about security and privacy.

All about the Ransomware

Patelco Credit Union detected a ransomware attack on June 29, 2024, uncovering a breach that began on May 23. The attackers accessed sensitive data, including names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, and email addresses.

While not all individuals had every piece of data exposed, the breach impacted many. Patelco immediately acted to contain the threat, disable unauthorized access, restore data, and launch a detailed investigation with external cybersecurity experts. Law enforcement was also notified to aid in addressing the breach.

Patelco Response

In response to the attack, Patelco Credit Union is offering a free two-year Experian IdentityWorksSM Credit 3B membership for identity protection and misuse detection. This will not affect credit scores. Members are also advised to use fraud alerts and security freezes and to closely monitor financial statements and credit reports for 12 to 24 months.

Patelco Credit Union has expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting personal information. The credit union is continuously updating its practices to improve data security and privacy.

A dedicated toll-free response line has been established to assist affected individuals, staffed by professionals knowledgeable about the breach and able to offer guidance on safeguarding personal information.

Throughout the investigation, Patelco remains focused on transparency and supporting its members and employees. This incident underscores the increasing threat of cyberattacks and the critical need for robust security measures