Context
Greylock McKinnon Associates (GMA) recently disclosed a significant data breach affecting over 340,000 individuals. GMA is a U.S. consulting firm providing economic and litigation support to various companies and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Key Update
In May 2023, GMA experienced a cyberattack that compromised personal data, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, medical information, health insurance details, and Medicare claim numbers. The breach was publicly disclosed in a notice on Maine’s government website. GMA took immediate steps to mitigate the impact, consulting with third-party cybersecurity experts and notifying law enforcement. Affected individuals were informed in February 2024, nearly nine months after the incident, which raises questions about the delay in notification.
Technical Terms
Data Breach
Unauthorized access and retrieval of sensitive information by an individual or group.
Cyberattack
An attempt by hackers to damage or disrupt a computer network or system.
Mitigate
To make less severe or serious.
Relevance to New Tech Career Seekers
This incident highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive information. For those entering the tech field, specializing in cybersecurity can be a valuable career path given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks.
