Tag Archive for: ASSOCIATES

East West Family of Companies Announces Data Breach Involving Sensitive Employee Information | Console and Associates, P.C.

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Recently, East West Family of Companies (“East West”) confirmed that the company experienced a data breach after an unauthorized party gained access to sensitive consumer information stores on the company’s computer network. According to the East West, the breach resulted in the names and Social Security numbers of certain employees and employee dependents being compromised. On July 1, 2022, East West filed official notice of the breach and sent out data breach letters to all affected parties.

If you received a data breach notification, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. To learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft and what your legal options are in the wake of the East West data breach, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What We Know About the East West Data Breach

According to an official notice filed by the company, on November 8, 2021, East West detected unauthorized access on some of its computer systems. In response, the company secured its systems and launched an investigation into the incident with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity professionals. Shortly after the breach, East West was able to restore its system operations; however, the investigation determined that an unauthorized user was able to access certain files on the company’s network between November 5, 2021 and November 8, 2021. These files contained the information of current and former employees and employees’ dependents.

Upon discovering that sensitive employee data was accessible to an unauthorized party, East West then reviewed the affected files to determine exactly what information was compromised. The company completed this review on May 9, 2022. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name and Social Security number.

On July 1, 2022, East West sent out data breach letters to all individuals whose information was compromised as a result of the recent data security incident.

More Information About East West Family of Companies

East West Family of Companies is a commercial and residential construction company based in Denver,…

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Optoma Technology, Inc. Confirms Data Breach Stemming from Recent Ransomware Attack | Console and Associates, P.C.

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Recently, Optoma Technology, Inc. reported a data breach following a ransomware attack in which unauthorized parties were able to access the company’s computer system for a period of about ten days. According to Optoma, the breach resulted in the following types of information being compromised: names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, state identification numbers, financial account information, payment information, health insurance information, username and password. On May 24, 2022, Optoma filed official notice of the breach and sent out data breach letters to all affected parties.

If you received a data breach notification, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. To learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft and what your legal options are in the wake of the Optoma Technology data breach, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

Additional Details About the Optoma Technology Data Breach

What we know about the Optoma data breach comes primarily from the company’s recent filing with various state attorneys general. It appears that, on May 1, 2022, Optoma first detected unusual activity on some of its computer systems. The company disconnected the affected devices from its network and launched an investigation into the incident.

Optoma notes that its investigation is still ongoing; however, the company has confirmed that it was the target of a ransomware attack. As a result of the attack, the unauthorized parties had access to certain files on the Optoma network between April 21, 2022 and May 1, 2022.

Upon discovering that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Optoma Technology then reviewed the affected files to determine exactly what information was compromised. While the company is still in the process of identifying all affected parties, it notes that the breached information may include an individual’s name, Social Security number, driver’s license or state identification number, government-issued identification card, financial account information or payment information, health insurance information, username and password.

On…

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Florida Heart Associates recovering from ransomware hack

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CAPE CORAL, FLA — Cybersecurity experts, like Florida Gulf Coast University’s Eugene Hoyt, say hacking is on the rise.

“It’s a serious uptick right now,” he said, “So it’s not just the large government agencies being hacked, you’re having local government’s being hacked and all the way down to individuals.”

And one of the more popular types being used is ransomware.

“Basically trying to get you to click on links that look legit to gain access to your computer,” he said.

Once the hackers are in, they lock down your system and demand a ransom to release it.

So, should you pay the ransom?

“I highly say ‘no,'” said Hoyt.

However, Hoyt also adds that sometimes companies have to pay or risk losing everything.

It’s a sticky situation that the CEO of Florida Heart Associates, Todd Rauchenberger, tells FOX 4 the company found itself in, in May.

They ultimately chose not to pay and were able to get control back, but not before hackers took down their phone lines and essentially destroyed their entire system.

The family of an FHA patient says they’ve been trying to get their loved one seen by a doctor for months.

“You can’t get in to get an appointment,” said Brittany Wallace, “No one ever called and then we get a letter in the mail a couple of weeks after that stating that patients’ information was [exposed] or that their system was hacked.”

And Wallace says the hack came at scary time.

“One of his important medications that he didn’t have any refills on was about to run out,” he said.

FHA tells FOX 4 that they’ve lost staff as a result of the hack and only just got their phones back online.

In all, they estimate that they’re operating at about 50 percent right now.

And in order to accommodate families, like the Wallaces, FHA is now taking walk-in appointments.

That family says that’s something they’ll be taking advantage of, but they’re also encouraging other patients to share their concerns.

“The squeaky wheel gets the grease you just have to keep calling and like you said, walk-in,” said Wallace.

Rauchenberger also tells FOX 4 that they’re hoping to be back up and fully running by late August or early September. In the meantime, if you have questions about the hack they have set up a call center. You…

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Walmart Unveils Associate App, Giving 740,000 Associates Smartphones

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“We’re proud that Samsung’s innovative technology is playing a key role in enabling Walmart to transform their retail associate experience,” Hamshy Raveendran, head of product management and go to market, Mobile B2B Business, Samsung Electronics Americas, told RIS. “Our Galaxy XCover Pro, combined with Walmart’s all-in-one [email protected] app, will put everything associates need at their fingertips to help them better serve their customers. And outside the store, they’ll have an exceptional device for their personal use. We’re excited to support Walmart as they lead the retail industry in leveraging mobile to empower their frontline employees.”

The devices and app will give Walmart associates access to mobile experiences such as:

  • Push-to-Talk: Associates can instantly connect with one another by using push-to-talk, allowing them to work as a team and quickly react to customers’ needs.
  • Scheduling: The app lets associates view their shifts up to two weeks in advance, check on their upcoming paid time off and request changes to their schedule, if needed.
  • Mobile Clock In: Using geofencing technology, associates can clock in with a tap of a button once they arrive at their store.
  • Ask Sam: A voice-activated personal assistant for work, the Ask Sam feature lets associates ask the app questions to quickly locate merchandise and get answers for customers. Associates can even look up the metrics that drive their business. This feature was previously available to some associates as a separate app, but is now available to all through [email protected] Last year Walmart expanded its capabilities to include details about COVID-19.
  • Personal Security: The Samsung Knox mobile security suite is being used to create the boundaries between personal and work-related information. Walmart will not have access to any associates’ personal data.
  • Knox Services: Walmart will leverage the extensive capabilities found in the Samsung Knox Suite.  This includes tools to help with automated enrollment, firmware management, device and WiFi network analytics, loss prevention and deep device customization. 

In addition, Walmart said it will add another feature to the

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