Here are the facts: Approximately 550 individuals in Connecticut were recently the victim of a data breach at Brightstar Lottery Group, according to the state’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
Important Details:
• The vast majority of the individuals affected worked for Brightstar.
• The Connecticut Lottery system was not compromised; the breach is solely related to Brightstar's security protocols.
• Anyone affected will receive a letter with instructions from Brightstar.
• Your personal information such as names, addresses, and ID numbers can be obtained when a business gets hacked.
• These hackers can use this information for identity theft or fraud.
• There are times the weak link is not the main system but is in a third-party company’s connection to that system.
If you feel you might be impacted, monitor your accounts and do not trust random emails or phone calls, and take advantage of the options available to keep yourself safe.
What Happened?
Brightstar, known as IGT previously, is responsible for operating lottery systems and collects identifying information from persons who won prizes. This information was the basis of the breach.Important Details:
• The vast majority of the individuals affected worked for Brightstar.
• The Connecticut Lottery system was not compromised; the breach is solely related to Brightstar's security protocols.
• Anyone affected will receive a letter with instructions from Brightstar.
What Should You Do If You Were Affected?
Don’t panic — DCP states you should not do anything right away. If I were in your shoes, this is what I would do:- Check credit reports, bank accounts, and personal records.
- Use the free identity-monitoring through Brightstar (through Kroll, for 24 months).
- Important: you do not have to pay for the service. Brightstar will never ask for additional information or for money.
- Watch for scam calls or emails requesting your information.
- If you receive a letter and are not sure it is legitimate, contact the state’s consumer protection office.
Why It Matters For All Of Us
Regardless of whether you’re in Connecticut, this breach serves as a cautionary tale for all of us:• Your personal information such as names, addresses, and ID numbers can be obtained when a business gets hacked.
• These hackers can use this information for identity theft or fraud.
• There are times the weak link is not the main system but is in a third-party company’s connection to that system.
In Conclusion
Lastly, this Brightstar breach reinforces how easily your personal information can fall into the wrong hands. The good news is that affected people will have resources, such as free monitoring, made available to them.If you feel you might be impacted, monitor your accounts and do not trust random emails or phone calls, and take advantage of the options available to keep yourself safe.