RI Data Leaked During Cyberattack

If you live in Rhode Island, there is a very good chance your data is now on the dark web.

The state’s health and benefits programs were recently hacked.

According to Democrat Governor Daniel McKee, those files have already been put up on the dark web for scammers.

It’s Out There

After the data breach was realized, the state has been working to identify exactly which residents this could impact.

Right now, state officials are not sure if all the files were stolen or only certain segments.

McKee’s office stated, “Right now, IT teams are working diligently to analyze the released files. This is a complex process and we do not yet know the scope of the data that is included in those files.”

The statement continued, “While this data has been compromised, that does not mean it has been used for identity theft purposes—yet.”

Deloitte, the company that manages RIBridges, has told the governor that the company has been in contact with the hackers.

Deloitte is now working with the governor’s office to find out the list of people who have been impacted by the hack.

After all those impacted have been identified, the state will send out a letter to those impacted, as well as access to free credit monitoring.

Programs that are run on RIBridges are Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Childcare Assistance Program, Rhode Island Works, Long-term Services and Supports, the At HOME Cost Share Program and health insurance purchased through HealthSource RI.

For those of you reading this that live in the state, I would highly encourage you to take advantage of the monitoring services or enroll in your own, such as LifeLock.

I can tell you from firsthand experience, the paid services are worth it, as they handle everything for you, alleviating a significant amount of stress.

I recently had credit card information stolen while attending an event (I believe one of the vendors at the event was storing CC information and selling it), and my service contacted my credit card company, took care of the refunds, and issuances of new cards.

I can tell you right now it is not cheap, but if you are hacked just once, you will be glad you paid that fee.