The State Corporation Commission is advising former licensed insurance agents of the potential improper access to their personal data by a former contractor. The suspected compromise of personal data pertains to archived Bureau of Insurance records of insurance agents whose licenses expired or became inactive anytime from 1979 – 2004.
Preliminary findings indicate the former contractor may have copied these agent files. The files accessed contained names and social security or driver’s license information of these former licensees.
The SCC is issuing this notification in accordance with state law so that affected persons can take precautionary steps to protect their identity. The SCC is taking additional steps to attempt to contact affected former agents directly via mail. And, as required by law, SCC staff is working closely with state authorities on this matter.
While an investigation continues, it is unclear at this time how or if the personal agent data was used. Out of an abundance of caution, this notification is being made by the Commission.
The SCC encourages affected former licensees to take steps to protect their personal privacy by obtaining a copy of their credit report or checking for any unusual activity on their bank or other financial accounts. Former agents with questions regarding this notification may contact the Bureau of Insurance toll free in Virginia at 800-552-7945 or call (804) 371-9741.
The Commission obtained the services of a leading information technology forensics and security organization to assist with its ongoing investigation. And, the Commission has and will continue to take affirmative steps to review and revise security standards, processes, procedures and best practices to minimize any future risk of improper access to SCC data.
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