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Massive data breach exposes 800,000 insurance customers' personal information

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Massive data breach exposes 800,000 insurance customers' personal information

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Over the past few months, we’ve seen a wave of data breaches affecting millions of people, from health care giants to government contractors and more. This latest incident is yet another in a long line of alarming breaches. Now, the insurance administrative services company Landmark Admin has warned that a data breach from a May cyberattack impacted over 800,000 individuals.

Landmark Admin has partnered with some of the largest insurance carriers in the U.S., including American Monumental Life Insurance Company, Pellerin Life Insurance Company and American Benefit Life Insurance Company. 

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Through these partnerships, millions of policyholders and their sensitive information, such as names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and passport numbers, could be at risk of exposure, further amplifying the potential impact of this breach.

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A woman working on her laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know

In a report to the Maine attorney general’s office, Landmark revealed it spotted unusual activity in its systems May 13, 2024, prompting it to disconnect affected systems and block remote access to its network (via Bleeping Computer).

Landmark brought in a specialized third-party cybersecurity team to help secure its systems and run a thorough investigation to understand the extent of the breach. But while they were looking into it, the hackers managed to break back into Landmark’s system June 17, 2024.

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The cybersecurity team’s findings showed data was both encrypted and stolen from Landmark’s systems. According to the investigation, hackers may have gained unauthorized access to the personal details of impacted individuals, which could include full name, address, Social Security number, tax ID, driver’s license or state-issued ID number, passport number, bank details, medical info, health insurance policy number, date of birth and details about life and annuity policies.

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Illustration of a hacker at work  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MASSIVE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 3 MILLION AMERICANS’ PERSONAL INFORMATION TO CYBERCRIMINALS  

What is Landmark doing after data breach? 

Landmark is offering free identity theft protection services for those affected by the data breach. It’s also notifying everyone whose personal information may have been in its systems during the breach. Individual notices will be sent by U.S. first-class mail, going out in batches as they identify potentially affected individuals. The first wave of letters was sent Oct. 23, 2024.

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Illustration of a hacker at work  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WORLD’S LARGEST STOLEN PASSWORD DATABASE UPLOADED TO CRIMINAL FORUM

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9 ways to protect yourself from data breaches

1. Enable two-factor authentication: Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security on all your important accounts, including email, banking and social media. Two-factor authentication requires you to provide a second piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password when logging in. This makes it significantly harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if they have your password. Enabling 2FA can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your sensitive data.

2. Monitor your accounts and transactions: You should check your online accounts and transactions regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. If you notice anything unusual, immediately report it to the service provider or authorities. You should also review your credit reports and scores to see if there are any signs of identity theft or fraud.

3. Contact your bank and credit card companies: Landmark hackers obtained your bank and credit card information, which they could use to make purchases or withdrawals without your consent. You should inform your bank and credit card companies of the situation. They can help you freeze or cancel your cards, dispute any fraudulent charges and issue new cards for you.

You should also 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. You can even freeze your credit if need be.

4. Use personal data removal services: In light of these ongoing data breaches, protecting personal data has become essential. One proactive step is to consider personal data removal services, which specialize in continuously monitoring and removing your information from various online databases and websites. These services employ advanced tools and techniques to identify and eliminate your data from people search sites, data brokers and other platforms where your information might be exposed. By using a data removal service, you can minimize the risk of identity theft and fraud, especially after a data breach. Additionally, these services often provide ongoing monitoring and alerts, keeping you informed of any new instances of your data appearing online and taking immediate action to remove it. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 

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5. Have strong antivirus software: As cyberthreats grow in frequency and sophistication, strong antivirus software is also crucial to fend off malware and phishing scams, both of which could expose your sensitive information if left unguarded.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

6. Use strong, unique passwords: Secure access to your accounts is paramount. Using strong, unique passwords for each account is an effective barrier against unauthorized access, especially when data breaches place your information at heightened risk. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. A strong password typically has a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special characters and is at least 12 characters long. Consider using a password manager to help generate and store complex passwords securely.

7. Keep your software updated: Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Ensure your operating systems, apps and browsers are updated to the latest versions to close any security gaps.

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8. Limit sharing of personal information online: Be mindful about sharing personal information on social media or other platforms, as hackers can use this data in phishing schemes. Make sure to adjust privacy settings on your social media accounts so only trusted friends can view your profile information.

9. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions: Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure and can be vulnerable to hackers. When accessing sensitive accounts, use a VPN or wait until you’re on a trusted, secure network. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices

WINDOWS FLAW LETS HACKERS SNEAK INTO YOUR PC OVER WI-FI

Kurt’s key takeaway

The Landmark data breach is just one of several data breaches I’ve covered this year. While it’s still unclear what type of cyberattack hackers used to break into the insurance company’s systems, one thing is certain – they accessed sensitive data. Even more concerning is that hackers got into Landmark’s system not once but twice, hinting at some major cybersecurity gaps. If you think you may have been affected, stay vigilant and follow good cybersecurity practices.

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Do you think companies are investing enough in their cybersecurity infrastructure? 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

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

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Intel exec says Arrow Lake launch ‘just didn’t go as planned’

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Intel exec says Arrow Lake launch ‘just didn’t go as planned’

Reviews of Intel’s new Arrow Lake-based Core Ultra 9 200S-series processor have been lackluster, specifically when it comes to gaming performance, but Intel says that’s not the end of the story. Its new chips should be performing better, and the company will have an ETA on getting them there soon, according to Robert Hallock, Intel’s VP and GM of client AI and technical marketing, in a new interview with HotHardware’s Dave Altavilla and Marco Chiappetta.

Intel was up-front in saying these new chips wouldn’t beat AMD’s chips for gaming. But reviewers’ findings have been unexpectedly poor. Despite some efficiency gains like those noted in Tom Warren’s Verge review of the Core Ultra 9 285K, the new chip seems to lag behind even Intel’s earlier Raptor Lake chips in gaming. That’s to say nothing of its performance versus AMD’s very good Ryzen 9800X3D.

Intel’s Arrow Lake chips’ “bones are solid,” Hallock said during the interview. Still, the company has identified factors “that can combine to produce some pretty wild unintended effects.” Hallock was also clear that the new Arrow Lake performance issues are strictly Intel’s responsibility, and not the fault of Microsoft or anyone else.

As for when Intel will provide an ETA on fixes, Hallock said Intel hopes to give a “comprehensive update” on what the chip’s issues are and what’s causing them by the end of November or early December. The good news is that the fix will be easy, according to Hallock, who called it a “flash the BIOS and update Windows kinda situation.”

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Say goodbye to needle nightmares: gadget gives doctors X-ray vision of your veins

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Say goodbye to needle nightmares: gadget gives doctors X-ray vision of your veins

We’ve all been there, sitting in the doctor’s office, sleeve rolled up, watching nervously as the nurse searches for that elusive vein. 

For some, it’s a quick and painless process. 

For others, it can feel like an eternity of poking and prodding. But what if there was a way to make this experience easier for everyone involved?

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Turning your skin transparent (sort of)

Imagine a device that could give medical professionals Superman-like X-ray vision, allowing them to see right through your skin to the veins beneath. That’s exactly what the Adison Vein Locator does. This nifty gadget uses cutting-edge optical technology to create a 3D map of your veins, making needle insertion a breeze.

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How it works

The Adison Vein Locator uses near-infrared light to penetrate your skin and create a real-time, three-dimensional image of your veins. It’s like having a personal GPS for your circulatory system. The best part? It works on all skin tones and even through scar tissue.

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BEST WEARABLE DEVICES TO TRACK YOUR BLOOD OXYGEN LEVELS

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Not just for adults

Finding veins in infants can be particularly challenging due to their chubby little arms. The Adison Vein Locator has proven effective on patients as young as 6 months old, making those necessary blood draws and IV insertions much less stressful for both babies and medical staff.

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Boosting success rates and patient comfort

Tests have shown that this device can improve the success rate of first-time IV insertions by a whopping 30%. That means fewer attempts, less discomfort, and happier patients all around.

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Award-winning design

The Adison Vein Locator isn’t just functional — it’s also a looker. This sleek device won a RedDot design award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the product design world. It’s not often that medical equipment gets recognized for its aesthetics. With its tilting screen and portable design, the Adison Vein Locator is ready for action in any setting. Whether you’re in a hospital room or kneeling beside a patient on the ground, this device adapts to your needs.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

By making vein access easier and more accurate, the Adison Vein Locator has the potential to reduce patient anxiety, improve treatment efficiency, and even save lives in emergency situations. As we continue to see advancements in medical technology, devices like this remind us that sometimes, the most impactful innovations are those that solve everyday challenges in healthcare. The days of dreading needle sticks may soon be behind us, thanks to this remarkable “x-ray vision” gadget.

Would you feel more at ease during blood draws or IV insertions if your healthcare provider used advanced vein visualization technology like the Adison Vein Locator compared to traditional methods? 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

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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:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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There’s a lot more Red Hulk in the new Captain America: Brave New World trailer

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There’s a lot more Red Hulk in the new Captain America: Brave New World trailer

The Brave New World preview opens on Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) visiting one of the first supersoldiers, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), in prison after his attack on the president. Isaiah, who doesn’t seem to remember the attack, warns Sam to “be careful.”

The trailer then sets up some heavy tension and intrigue, using a fun splitscreen theme to build to a much more thorough reveal of Ross’ Red Hulk than Marvel did in July. Although it leaves the feeling that he’s the movie’s main villain, it also suggests there’s much more to the story than just “Sam fights a Hulk.” Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters on February 14th.

Then there’s the nearly four-minute-long “special look” at Thunderbolts, which offers more of the Thunderbolts working as an actual team, assembled by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) as a super-powered task force of flawed anti-heroes.

The movie’s other main characters include Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Ava Starr / Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian (David Harbour), Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and John Walker / US Agent (Wyatt Russell). Oh, and Bob (Lewis Pullman), who seems like just a guy until you see him, injury-free despite a shirt that looks like it’s full of bullet holes that might have come from the dozen or so people pointing guns at him.

Thunderbolts comes out on May 2nd.

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