New York-based CNY Works suffers data breach, compromising personal details of more than 56,000 of its customers.
The firm, which provides a single entry point for Workforce Information, has reported data breach which exposed the Social Security Numbers, names and other personal details of around 56,000 individuals who sought employment via the company’s services.
The non-profit organisation, which focuses on providing skilled workers to businesses and employment for those seeking a job within Central New York, has warned affected customers about the security breach. Officials confirmed that although the attack involved their servers containing names and security numbers, they said that there was no sign to confirm that any data was accessed, viewed or taken down by hackers.
However, experts say that the breach is still worrying as it involves the individuals’ Social Security Number, a nine-digit number used to record a person’s earnings and verify their identity. It can be used by hackers in their identity theft campaign or gain unauthorised access to the individual’s bank information.
Lenore Sealy, executive director for CNY Works, said in an email to media outlets, “We are sending notification letters to approximately 56,000 individuals.”
“However, we are notifying individuals out of an abundance of caution. CNY Works has no evidence that any of the personal information for these individuals has been misused, or even that any of the personal information in its possession was accessed or stolen as a result of this incident.” The email further read.