Comcast Data Breach Exposes SSNs of 230,000 Customers

Massive Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Information of Comcast Customers

A recent data breach has alarmed over 237,700 Comcast customers as their sensitive information, including names, addresses, social security numbers, and birthdates, has been exposed. This breach is linked to a security incident at Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS), a debt collection agency previously employed by Comcast.

Details of the Breach

According to a filing with the state of Maine on Friday, reported by Bleeping Computer and TechCrunch, the breach affects a total of 237,703 individuals. The incident occurred due to FBCS suffering a data breach in February 2024, exposing sensitive details of over 4.2 million people.

Breach Timeline

• Total number of persons affected: 237,703
• Total number of Maine residents affected: 22
• Date(s) Breach Occurred: February 14, 2024
• Date Breach Discovered: July 17, 2024
• Description of the Breach: External system breach (hacking)

Comcast's Response

Comcast revealed that the data included in this breach dates back to 2021, even though they ceased using FBCS’s services in 2020. In addition, Truist Bank has also confirmed that some of its customers were affected by the FBCS breach. In response to this severe incident, Comcast is proactively providing identity theft protection and credit monitoring services to all customers whose data was compromised.

Recent Trends in Data Breaches

This event raises concerns about the growing trend of data breaches that are affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Just last December, Comcast disclosed another massive data breach that impacted over 35 million people, revealing names, contact details, partial social security numbers, and birth dates.

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

If you believe you may be affected by this or similar breaches, consider taking the following steps to safeguard your personal information:

• Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions.
• Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Consider utilizing identity theft protection services.
• Stay informed about potential breaches affecting your information.

Conclusion

The Comcast data breach serves as a critical reminder of the importance of data security and personal vigilance. As breaches become more frequent, taking proactive measures to protect your identity and personal information is essential.