Technology
4.3 million Americans exposed in massive health savings account data breach
Health savings account (HSA) provider HealthEquity experienced a massive data breach that has put over 4.3 million Americans’ information at risk.
The company, which specializes in providing HSAs, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and 401(k) retirement plans, confirmed threat actors stole sensitive health data using a partner’s compromised credentials.
This includes full names, home addresses, telephone numbers, employer and employee IDs, Social Security numbers and more.
GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS — SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER — THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE
Illustration of a hacker at work. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What you need to know about the HealthEquity data breach
HealthEquity has confirmed that it suffered a data breach in which the personal information of millions of Americans was compromised. In a Form 8-K filing submitted on July 2, the company disclosed that hackers gained access to this sensitive health data after using a partner’s compromised credentials.
HealthEquity became aware of the systems anomaly on March 25, and the investigation continued until June 10. The company’s data breach notice reads in part:
“We discovered some unauthorized access to and potential disclosure of protected health information and/or personally identifiable information stored in an unstructured data repository outside our core systems. On June 26, 2024, after validating the data, we unfortunately determined that some of your personal information was involved.”
As for notifications, the company tells us that the process for notifying customers — both businesses and individuals — is ongoing. Affected individuals will receive a notification by mail or email based on their account communications preferences.
The company says that the affected data was sign-up information for accounts and benefits that it administers. The data may include information in one or more of the following categories: first name, last name, address, telephone number, employee ID, employer, Social Security number, health card number, health plan member number, dependent information (for general contact information only), HealthEquity benefit type, diagnoses, prescription details, payment card information (but not payment card number) and/or HealthEquity account type. Not all data categories were affected for every member.
HealthEquity says it is not aware of any actual or attempted misuse of the information due to this incident to date. We reached out to HealthEquity, and a representative from the company provided CyberGuy with this statement:
“The entire Purple Team is committed to educating, assisting and supporting our partners, clients and members through this incident. We have taken immediate, proactive and prudent action since we first discovered an anomaly with our third-party vendor. This included quickly resolving the issue, bringing together a team of outside and internal experts to investigate, and preparing for response.
“Additionally, we formally filed notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which wasn’t required, but represents our concern and commitment to transparent communication. We regret the inconvenience caused by the incident and are working to minimize disruption while also taking steps to help prevent this from happening in the future. Partner and client notifications are underway, and we are thankful for the professionalism and understanding we’re experiencing thus far.”
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
Illustration of hackers at work. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HERE’S WHAT RUTHLESS HACKERS STOLE FROM 110 MILLION AT&T CUSTOMERS
What is HealthEquity doing about the data breach?
HealthEquity says it has secured the affected data repository. The vendor’s user accounts, which had access to an online data storage location, were compromised, allowing hackers to access data stored in that location. HealthEquity has disabled all potentially compromised vendor accounts, terminated all active sessions and blocked all IP addresses linked to the threat actor’s activity. The company has also implemented a global password reset for the impacted vendor.
The HSA provider has also arranged credit identity monitoring, insurance and restoration services for those impacted. These services will be available for two years, free of charge, through Equifax.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS
Illustration of a hacker. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
WORLD’S LARGEST STOLEN PASSWORD DATABASE UPLOADED TO CRIMINAL FORUM
8 measures to take to protect yourself from a data breach
If you suspect you’ve been impacted by this data breach, follow these steps to protect your personal data and privacy.
1. Invest in identity theft protection: If you have been affected by a data breach, scammers may try to impersonate you to gain access to your private information. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to subscribe to an identity theft service.
Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
2. Invest in removal services: Investing in removal services is beneficial, particularly in the wake of data breaches like the recent one experienced by HealthEquity. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
3. Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert to be placed on your credit file. This will make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name without verification.
4. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Be vigilant about emails, phone calls or messages from unknown sources asking for personal information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive details unless you can verify the legitimacy of the request.
The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
5. Check Social Security benefits: It is crucial to periodically check your Social Security benefits to ensure they have not been tampered with or altered in any way, safeguarding your financial security and preventing potential fraud.
6. Change your password: You can render a stolen password useless to thieves simply by changing it. Opt for a strong password — one you don’t use elsewhere. Even better, consider letting a password manager generate one for you.
7. Be wary of mailbox communications: Bad actors may also try to scam you through snail mail. The data leak gives them access to your address. They may impersonate people or brands you know and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions and security alerts.
8. Contact the U.S. Federal Trade Commission: If you detect any unauthorized transactions in any of your financial accounts, you should immediately notify the appropriate payment card company or financial institution. If you detect any incidents of identity theft or fraud, promptly report it to your local law enforcement authorities, state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission.
PHARMA GIANT’S DATA BREACH EXPOSES PATIENTS’ SENSITIVE INFORMATION
Kurt’s key takeaway
The HealthEquity data breach highlights the need for strong cybersecurity practices, especially when it comes to protecting personal and health information. If you’re affected by this breach, it’s important to take action. Monitor your accounts and personal information for any unusual activity. Staying vigilant can help protect you from identity theft and financial fraud.
Do you feel confident in the measures HealthEquity is taking to protect your data going forward? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE
5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
-
Technology5 minutes agoOpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle
-
World11 minutes agoHamas used sexual violence ‘deliberately and systematically’ on Oct 7, commission report finds
-
Politics17 minutes agoTrump leaves China with breakthroughs — and unfinished business on Xi’s biggest fights
-
Health23 minutes agoCancer-related brain fog may improve with 2 simple treatments, scientists say
-
Sports29 minutes agoSky vs Mercury betting preview: Why the over 166.5 looks like the play in this WNBA matchup
-
Technology35 minutes agoIs that traffic ticket text a scam or real?
-
Business41 minutes agoAltadena’s latest roadblock to rebuilding: Sewage
-
Entertainment47 minutes agoBreaking down Drake’s Temu haul of an album drop