The Joffrey Ballet Company has reported a significant data breach to the Attorney General of Maine, revealing that sensitive personal information and protected health information may have been accessed by an unauthorized third party. The incident was detected on September 30, 2023, when the organization noticed suspicious activity indicating a cybersecurity event. Upon further investigation, the Joffrey discovered that files on its network had been encrypted, prompting an internal review to determine the extent of the breach and the nature of the compromised information.
During the investigation, it was confirmed that sensitive personal information had been copied by the unauthorized actor. The Joffrey conducted a thorough analysis to identify the specific types of data that had been exposed and to assess the impact on affected individuals. While the precise information varied from person to person, the potentially compromised data included a range of critical details such as names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, passport numbers, financial account information, and health records. This broad spectrum of sensitive data raised serious concerns about privacy and the potential for identity theft among those affected.
In response to the breach, the Joffrey began sending data breach notification letters to individuals whose information had been compromised on August 23, 2024. These notifications included detailed information about the types of sensitive data that may have been accessed and offered guidance on how individuals could protect themselves from potential risks. Additionally, to help mitigate the consequences of the breach, the Joffrey is providing 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring services to those impacted. This proactive approach underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting its community and addressing the fallout from this unfortunate incident.
Founded in 1956, the Joffrey Ballet Company has evolved from a small six-dancer ensemble into a distinguished ballet organization based in Illinois. It has garnered a reputation for its diverse repertoire and dedication to artistic excellence, presenting works that reflect the multicultural fabric of America. Since its establishment in Chicago in 1995, the Joffrey has also been involved in community engagement through its Academy and outreach programs. The recent data breach highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity in the arts sector, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting sensitive information as organizations navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.
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