The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore has recently informed the public of a data breach that may have impacted the personal information of numerous individuals. The incident was discovered on November 18, 2023, when suspicious activity disrupted the operability of the museum’s computer systems and servers. Upon detecting this breach, the museum launched an investigation to determine the extent of the unauthorized access, which was found to have occurred between October 10 and November 18, 2023. With the assistance of third-party cybersecurity specialists, the museum conducted a thorough review of the compromised files to identify affected individuals.
The investigation revealed that the potentially compromised personal information varies by individual and may include sensitive data such as names, dates of birth, contact information, demographic details, financial records, medical information, and government-issued identification numbers, including Social Security numbers. The museum has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and security of the information in its care. In light of this incident, the museum has taken steps to enhance its security measures and has been actively notifying those who may be impacted by the breach.
In addition to notifying potentially affected individuals, the Walters Art Museum has reported the incident to relevant regulatory authorities as required by law. The museum expressed regret over the inconvenience and concern this breach may cause and is dedicated to minimizing the risk of future incidents. As part of its ongoing commitment to data security, the museum is reviewing and updating its policies and procedures related to data privacy to bolster protections against similar threats.
The museum is also advising individuals to remain vigilant against identity theft and fraud in the wake of this event. They encourage affected individuals to review their account statements regularly and monitor their credit reports for any suspicious activity or errors. By taking proactive measures, individuals can better protect themselves against potential misuse of their personal information stemming from this data breach. The Walters Art Museum is working diligently to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future and to reassure the public of its commitment to safeguarding personal information.
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