Advantage Benefits Group

Advantage Benefits Group Data Breach

Advantage Benefits Group, a company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, experienced a cybersecurity incident that may have impacted the privacy of certain information. The company has taken the privacy and security of the information in their care seriously and expressed regret for any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause.

What Happened?

Advantage Benefits Group discovered suspicious activity related to an employee email account and immediately took steps to secure it. An investigation was launched with the help of a third-party forensic investigator to determine the nature and scope of the activity. It was determined that there was unauthorized access to the affected email account between April 21, 2022, and April 22, 2022[1].

What Information Was Involved?

The review determined that the impacted emails and attachments contained personal information related to individuals, including names and other unspecified details. At the time of the notice, there was no evidence that the information was subject to actual or attempted misuse[1].

What Steps Were Taken?

Advantage Benefits Group began a diligent review process to identify sensitive information that may have been contained within the impacted email account and to identify the individuals whose information may have been impacted. They also worked to identify contact information for the impacted individuals. This process was completed on November 18, 2022[1].

Measures for Affected Individuals

Advantage Benefits Group is offering complimentary access to Experian IdentityWorksSM for a certain number of months to help protect the identities of those affected. This service includes credit monitoring and a $1 million identity theft insurance policy. Identity Restoration is available for a specified number of months from the date of the notification letter and does not require any action on the part of the individuals at this time[1].

Conclusion

Advantage Benefits Group has committed to resolving complaints about the collection or use of personal information and has put in place procedures to deal with any suspected personal data breach. They have also provided contact information for individuals to exercise their rights or if they have a complaint regarding the processing of personal data[3].

For further assistance or to take advantage of the identity protection services, affected individuals can reach out to Advantage Benefits Group using the contact details provided in the notification[1].

Citations:

1. https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/security-breaches/documents/advantage-benefits-20220411.pdf
2. https://www.statnews.com/2023/11/14/unitedhealth-class-action-lawsuit-algorithm-medicare-advantage/
3. https://www.advantageben.com/privacy-policy
4. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/umbrella-insurance/
5. https://www.advantageben.com/terms-of-use
6. https://www.clickondetroit.com/consumer/help-me-hank/2023/05/05/millions-of-uaw-retirees-health-benefits-stolen-due-to-third-party-security-breach-in-metro-detroit/
7. https://www.idstrong.com/sentinel/benefit-administrative-systems-data-breach/
8. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/umbrella-insurance
9. https://www.mass.gov/doc/assigned-data-breach-number-29085-advantage-benefit-solutions/download
10. https://wgme.com/news/i-team/vendor-aetna-insurance-data-breach-maine
11. https://www.advantageben.com
12. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/08/upshot/medicare-advantage-fraud-allegations.html
13. https://breachdata.topwords.me/?limit=20&offset=1160&sort=entity_name
14. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/guides/how-to-start-and-run-an-insurance-brokerage-firm-428804.aspx
15. https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.advantage_benefits_group_inc.32a413df8e6211d76d338d51c6b789c4.html
16. https://cisomag.com/data-breach-affects-15000-medicare-customers-of-blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan/