The North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA) of North Adams, Massachusetts, notified its customers of a data security incident that may have compromised personal information. The breach, detected around July 18, 2024, involved unauthorized access to sensitive data, including names and financial information. NAHA swiftly took action to address the incident by working with cybersecurity experts to assess the scope and security of their systems. The organization is committed to transparency, providing residents with detailed information about the breach and steps to protect their personal information.
To minimize the potential for harm, NAHA is offering residents access to free services, including a 24-month subscription to Experian IdentityWorks for credit monitoring and identity theft protection. This service provides comprehensive support, including monitoring across major credit bureaus and assisting with identity restoration if necessary. NAHA also advised residents to take proactive steps, such as placing security freezes on their credit reports, to prevent unauthorized access to their financial information. Detailed instructions were provided for those wishing to implement these protective measures.
NAHA is encouraging those affected to be vigilant by regularly reviewing their credit reports for any signs of suspicious activity. While there is currently no evidence suggesting the exposed information has been misused, the authority strongly recommends using the offered fraud prevention tools to safeguard against potential future risks. In addition to credit monitoring, NAHA has made arrangements for residents to contact Experian directly for support related to identity restoration, fraud resolution, and related services.
The North Adams Housing Authority emphasized its dedication to safeguarding personal information, promising a thorough review of its practices to ensure stronger data security in the future. NAHA expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the incident and reassured residents that the breach is being handled with the utmost seriousness. For further assistance, NAHA has made a dedicated support line available to answer any questions or concerns, reinforcing its commitment to providing ongoing support and minimizing the risk of similar incidents occurring again.
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