Fidelity Investments, a leading financial services firm, has disclosed a personal data breach affecting thousands of clients. The company revealed in a filing to the Maine Attorney General’s Office that approximately 77,099 individuals were alerted to the breach that transpired in August.
What Happened During the Breach?
The breach occurred when unauthorized parties accessed customer data by creating fraudulent accounts. Fidelity pinpointed the suspicious activity on August 19, prompting them to cut off access immediately. However, the specifics regarding the compromised data and how it was exploited are still unclear.
Did Clients’ Accounts Get Compromised?
No, clients’ accounts were not accessed nor were their funds at risk during this incident. According to Michael Aalto, Fidelity’s head of external communications, the unauthorized access was limited to customer information only.
Fidelity is taking proactive steps to assist those affected by the breach, offering two years of identity protection services. It encourages clients to monitor their financial activities closely for any signs of unauthorized transactions. Additionally, the firm is committed to enhancing its data security measures to prevent future incidents.
- 77,099 clients notified about the breach.
- Unauthorized access limited to customer information, not accounts or funds.
- Two years of identity protection services for affected clients.
- Ongoing commitment to strengthen data security protocols.
The situation emphasizes the ongoing risks that large financial institutions face concerning data security and the necessity for constant vigilance in safeguarding customer information.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
