#United States #Data Breach #Samaritan Counseling #Wisconsin Residents #Menasha

Data Security Event Notification by Samaritan Counseling Center

On January 10, 2025, the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley announced a significant data security incident that may have compromised private information pertaining to residents of Wisconsin. The center's officials confirmed that they detected suspicious activity in an employee's email account on November 18, 2024, which set off alarms regarding potential information leaks.

Immediate Response and Investigation

Upon discovering this unauthorized access, the Samaritan Counseling Center immediately took measures to secure the compromised email account. They launched a thorough investigation into the incident, collaborating with third-party computer forensic experts to discern the scope and nature of the breach. The investigation revealed that an unknown party had gained access to employee email accounts, potentially exposing sensitive information.

The organization undertook a comprehensive review of the data that may have been compromised. By December 19, 2024, they were able to ascertain the nature of the information that might be at risk. This included critical data such as names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, health insurance details, and medical records. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the center initiated a process to notify individuals whose data may have been affected by this breach.

Ongoing Commitment to Information Security

To mitigate risks moving forward, the Samaritan Counseling Center emphasized that information security is among their foremost priorities. Following the investigative process, they proactively evaluated their existing security policies and procedures. This included a close examination of their cybersecurity practices to determine if further improvements were necessary to prevent such security events from occurring in the future.

Moving forward, the Samaritan Counseling Center remains committed to reinforcing their security measures and ensuring the protection of their clients' information. They intend to adopt further strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of a recurrence of a similar incident.

For individuals who may have concerns or inquiries regarding the recent security event, the Samaritan Counseling Center has established a dedicated assistance line. Concerned parties are encouraged to reach out by calling (866) 362-1840. This line is operational Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. Additionally, those preferring written communication can contact the center at 1205 Province Terrace, Menasha, WI 54952.

In conclusion, the Samaritan Counseling Center's transparent approach in notifying affected individuals and strengthening their security protocols reflects the organization's dedication to safeguarding personal information and maintaining the trust of the community it serves.