News Summary
A significant data breach at SRP Federal Credit Union has put approximately 240,742 individuals at risk. The ransomware group Nitrogen claims to have stolen 650 GB of sensitive customer data. While the breach occurred between September and November, SRP has taken steps to secure its systems and is offering affected members a year of Experian ID theft protection services. Customers are advised to monitor their accounts for suspicious activity following this alarming incident.
Augusta, GA
Approximately 240,742 individuals are at risk following a significant data breach at SRP Federal Credit Union, which has been confirmed to have been perpetrated by the ransomware group known as Nitrogen. The group claims to have stolen 650 GB of sensitive customer data, which includes names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, account numbers, and credit ratings.
The data breach has raised serious concerns among affected customers, particularly as reports concerning the incident began circulating in early December 2024. Evidence of the breach was first shared on social media on December 5, and by December 12, SRP Federal Credit Union had formally notified all potentially impacted individuals regarding the possible compromise of their personal information.
The breach is reported to have occurred between September 5, 2024, and November 4, 2024, during which unauthorized access was gained to the credit union’s network. Thankfully, the core processing and online banking systems of SRP were not impacted during this incident, offering some reassurance to customers concerned about their account access and security.
Immediate Actions Taken
Upon discovering signs of suspicious activity on their network, SRP Federal Credit Union took immediate action by fortifying their systems against further unauthorized access. They have also involved law enforcement and engaged a forensic security firm to conduct a thorough investigation of the breach.
Support for Affected Members
While SRP has not reported any specific incidents of fraud or identity theft connected to the compromised information, they are taking steps to support affected members by offering a complimentary one-year membership to Experian ID theft protection services. This service aims to help individuals stay vigilant and monitor their personal information.
Background of SRP Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1960 to serve employees of the Savannah River Plant, SRP Federal Credit Union has since grown to serve approximately 194,166 members. The credit union is a vital financial institution in the Augusta region, providing banking services to its members for six decades.
Recommendations for Customers
With the breach now public, customers are strongly advised to remain vigilant and monitor news outlets and official communications from SRP Federal Credit Union for updates regarding the breach. Individuals should pay close attention to any indicators of suspicious activity on their personal accounts and consider safeguarding their information with credit monitoring services.
The initial external notifications provided by SRP did not clearly outline the involvement of ransomware, which has since contributed to confusion and concern among customers. It is crucial for all affected members to stay informed and act proactively to mitigate risks associated with this alarming data breach.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: SRP Federal Credit Union Announces Data Breach
- Bleeping Computer: Blackbyte Ransomware Claims City of Augusta Cyberattack
- WFXG: How to Protect Yourself from Data Breaches
- Google Search: Data Breach Protection
- The Augusta Press: Mayor on Data Breach Responsibility
- Wikipedia: Data Breach
