Greylock McKinnon Associates Data Breach
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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29 March 2025
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12 mins read
Another day, another data breach - this time, it's Greylock McKinnon Associates (GMA), a consulting firm that works with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). If you've ever been involved in a legal case where your personal information was recorded, this breach may affect you.
Cyberattacks are happening a lot nowadays, and the recent GMA data breach has raised big concerns, especially due to the exposure of highly sensitive personal and health information. In this guide, we’ll explain what happened, what types of data were affected, and what you can do right now to protect yourself.
What Happened in the Greylock McKinnon Associates Data Breach?
In May 2023, Greylock McKinnon Associates noticed some strange activity in their systems. After investigating, they confirmed that someone had unauthorized access to files, compromising the information.
These files were linked to legal cases with the DOJ, and unfortunately, over 341,000 people were affected. The stolen information included sensitive details that could be misused.
GMA responded quickly by hiring cybersecurity experts and notifying law enforcement. However, the public didn't learn about the breach until April 2024, almost a year later.
What Information Was Stolen?
The stolen information included:
- Full Names
- Dates of birth
- Residential addresses
- Medical and health insurance details
- Medical numbers, which are often linked to Social Security Numbers
What Are the Risks of This Breach?
This type of information is very valuable to hackers who can misuse it for many years, even after a breach. Here's how it can affect you:
- Financial Fraud: Your Social Security Number or address could be used to apply for loans, credit cards, or open bank accounts in your name.
- Medical Identity Theft: Scammers can use your medical information to get treatments, prescriptions, or file fake insurance claims.
- Scam Attacks: You may receive fake calls, texts, or emails that pretend to be from government agencies, banks, or hospitals.
- Dark Web Activity: Your information might already be for sale on dark web sites where hackers trade stolen data.
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What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
If you're worried that your data might have been part of this breach or just want to stay safe, here are some steps you can take:
Check Your Bank & Credit Statements
Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for suspicious transactions. If you notice anything odd, report it right away.
Change Your Passwords
Create strong and unique passwords for your bank, health, and email accounts. Don't use the same password for different accounts.
Be Careful of Scams
Don't click on unexpected links or share personal information in calls, texts, or emails, even if they seem real.
Freeze Your Credit
Consider freezing your credit with major bureaus. This can help prevent anyone from opening accounts in your name.
Enable PurePrivacy’s Dark Web Monitoring
If you’re worried that your data is on the dark web, PurePrivacy can help. Here's how:
- Sign up for PurePrivacy.
- Download and install the PurePrivacy app.
- Log in to your account and click Dark Web Monitoring.
- Select Add Assets to Monitor and enter your email address, SSN/NIN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number in the respective fields.
- Enter the code sent to your registered number to verify your identity, and you’re done.
- Follow the recommended measures if your information is part of a breach to protect yourself from further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Was this breach related to a hospital or healthcare provider?
No, it wasn't related to a hospital or healthcare provider. However, it did include sensitive health information from DOJ civil cases, which might involve healthcare details.
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How do I know if my information was included?
If your information was part of the DOJ records handled by GMA, you might receive a letter telling you. If you're unsure, it's best to check your credit regularly and set up alerts for the dark web.
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Can I sue if my data was exposed?
Yes, you can sue if your data was exposed. Also, it's best to talk to a lawyer to understand your rights.
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What is Medicare HICN and why is it important?
The Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) is your Social Security Number. Cybercriminals can commit serious fraud with it.
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Why did it take so long to notify the public?
GMA needed time to find all the people affected and gather their contact information. Also, delays in notifying people are often criticized in data breach cases.
In Conclusion
The Greylock McKinnon Associates data breach shows how easily our personal information can be at risk. So, instead of panicking, it's better to think about how to protect your data.
Keep an eye on your information, be careful online, and use Dark Web Monitoring to detect such threats at an early stage. Taking a few steps now can help you avoid bigger issues later.
