On October 19, 2023, Dollar Energy Fund, Inc. (“DEF”) reported a concerning data breach to the Attorney General of Maine, revealing that an unauthorized party had accessed its network. This breach exposed the sensitive information of consumers, primarily their names and Social Security numbers, putting them at risk of identity theft and other fraudulent activities. To address this breach, Dollar Energy Fund launched an investigation and began sending data breach notification letters to the affected individuals. If you have received such a notification, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and how to protect yourself. A data breach lawyer can offer invaluable guidance on safeguarding your identity and exploring legal options following the Dollar Energy Fund data breach.
Understanding the Data Breach
The Dollar Energy Fund data breach is a recent incident with further details expected in the near future. Although DEF has not yet provided comprehensive details on its website, the report submitted to the Attorney General of Maine sheds some light on the breach’s origin. According to this source, on February 5, 2023, DEF learned of a network disruption. In response, the organization initiated an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity specialists.
The investigation confirmed that between January 31, 2023, and February 5, 2023, an unauthorized party accessed DEF’s network. Subsequently, DEF determined that certain files accessible to the unauthorized party contained confidential consumer information.
Upon discovering that sensitive consumer data had been accessed by an unauthorized party, Dollar Energy Fund thoroughly reviewed the compromised files to ascertain the extent of the breach and identify the affected consumers. This process was completed on August 15, 2023. The compromised information varies among individuals but typically includes their names and Social Security numbers.
Starting on September 28, 2023, Dollar Energy Fund began sending out data breach notification letters on a rolling basis to all individuals affected by this recent data security incident, with the final letter sent on October 19, 2023. These letters provide victims with a comprehensive list of the information specific to them that was compromised.
More About Dollar Energy Fund, Inc.
Founded in 1983, Dollar Energy Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a mission to serve lower-income families by providing utility assistance grants and other essential services. The organization partners with utility companies, covering its administrative costs to ensure that 100 percent of donations are directed toward utility assistance grants. With a dedicated team of over 98 employees, Dollar Energy Fund generates approximately $22 million in annual revenue.
Conclusion
The Dollar Energy Fund data breach underscores the critical need for robust data security measures in today’s digital age. If you have received a data breach notification from Dollar Energy Fund, it is imperative to take immediate steps to protect your personal information and financial well-being. With the guidance of a data breach lawyer, you can better comprehend your rights and explore available legal avenues following this breach. In the coming days, as Dollar Energy Fund addresses the situation, staying informed and proactively safeguarding your personal information is of utmost importance.