PBI Research Services has experienced a significant data breach affecting 4.75 million people during the MOVEit Transfer cyber attacks. Initiated by the Clop ransomware gang on May 27, 2023, these attacks exploited a zero-day vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer, targeting data from numerous companies. Over the past week, the Clop gang escalated their tactics by listing impacted organizations on a data leak site, pressuring victims to pay a ransom. Three disclosed PBI clients, including Genworth Financial, Wilton Reassurance, and CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System), reported millions of customers having their sensitive data exposed.
Wilton Reassurance, a New York-based insurance provider, confirmed that 1,482,490 customers were impacted by the PBI breach, involving compromised names and social security numbers. As part of its response, Wilton Reassurance is offering 12 months of free identity theft protection and credit monitoring services through Kroll to affected individuals. The breach also affected CalPERS, the largest public pension fund in the US, prompting the organization to inform retirees and beneficiaries about the incident. The severity of the situation underscores the broader implications of the MOVEit Transfer cyber attacks, affecting various sectors and necessitating immediate actions to mitigate the impact.
PBI’s data breach has broader implications, showcasing the vulnerabilities in widely used file transfer systems. The involvement of major entities like CalPERS emphasizes the widespread impact of the cyber attacks, affecting critical public services. The proactive measures taken by affected organizations, such as offering identity theft protection, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the consequences of the breach and safeguarding individuals’ sensitive information. As investigations continue, the full extent of the damage caused by the MOVEit Transfer attacks is yet to be determined, but the incident underscores the urgency for enhanced cybersecurity measures across industries.
