Washington State Auditor's Office Data Breach Response

Title in image is Accellion Data Breach Response

The Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) has reported a data breach at a third-party vendor, Accellion.  While the full scope of the breach has not yet been determined, the office does know that data files from the Employment Security Department (ESD) have been impacted.

During the week of January 25, 2021, Accellion confirmed that an unauthorized person gained access to SAO files by exploiting a vulnerability in Accellion’s file transfer service.

Some of the SAO data files contained personal information of Washington state residents who filed unemployment insurance claims in 2020.  The compromised files may also include the personal information of other Washington residents who have not yet been identified but whose information was in state agency or local government files under review by the SAO. Click here to read more from the SAO press release.

Steps you can take to help protect yourself:

  • Add a password to your account if you do not already have one. This can be done over the phone or by visiting a branch.

  • Closely monitor your account activity. OCCU’s digital banking is a safe and convenient way to check your account daily!

  • Sign up for alerts through digital banking. Get a text, email and/or a push notification of your balance daily. It’s all about peace of mind!

  • Protect your credit. Contact the credit bureaus to place an initial fraud alert or to freeze your credit.

Credit Bureaus Contact Information:

Nobody knows your account activity like you! Monitoring your account for irregular activity is the best way to protect yourself. Please notify us right away if you spot any unauthorized activity. The state auditor’s office will continue to update the public as the investigation continues.  For the latest updates, please visit the state auditor’s website.

Iner Lofgren