Data Security Event Notification
Elloree, South Carolina – November 27, 2024. We take the privacy of information in our care seriously, which is why we are providing notice about a data security event, our response, and steps individuals may take should they feel it is appropriate to do so.
On October 2, 2024, we learned that certain computer systems on our network were locked by a computer virus. In response, we securely restored the systems and reviewed this matter further. During our review of this matter, we learned that files on the computer network were copied without permission. We undertook a review of those files to determine what information was in them and to whom that information related.
We have confirmed that this matter affected certain human resources information, including W-2, 1099-R, and other benefits selection forms from 2017 through 2024. These forms include current and former employee names and Social Security numbers, and can include retirement account numbers and health insurance beneficiary information. If spouse or dependents were listed in certain benefits forms, it is possible their information could be involved as well. We are arranging complimentary identity monitoring to assist individuals with monitoring their information and to reduce concerns this matter may cause. Please note, however, that this matter does not affect end consumers’ information. This matter involves human resources related information.
The confidentiality, privacy, and security of information in our care is of the utmost importance. After becoming aware of this matter, we securely restored the computer network and are taking steps to evaluate our technical security measures, policies and practices to reduce the risk of a matter like this reoccurring.
As referenced above, we sent written letters to notify individuals about this matter. The letters included complimentary identity monitoring services and enrollment instructions. If individuals have concerns, they may review the “Steps Individuals Can Take to Help Protect Personal Information” section below.
If individuals have questions about this matter, we recommend they review the “Frequently Asked Questions” below. Additionally, individuals may contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line with agents ready to help answer their questions. Individuals may contact our dedicated assistance line at 1-833-918-1845 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (excluding U.S. holidays). Individuals may also write to us at Hickory Springs Bottling, Inc., Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 897, Silver Springs, Florida 34489.
Sincerely,
Hickory Springs Bottled Water Company
Steps Individuals Can Take To Help Protect Personal Information
Monitor Relevant Accounts
Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.
Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.
As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:
- Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
- Social Security number;
- Date of birth;
- Addresses for the prior two to five years;
- Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
- A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
- A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.
Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:
Equifax—www.equifax.com; 1-888-298-0045; and P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian—www.experian.com; 1-888-397-3742; and P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion—www.transunion.com; 1-800-916-8800; and P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
Additional Information
Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Question
What happened? On October 2, 2024, we learned that certain computer systems on our network were locked by a computer virus. During the review of this matter, we identified that certain human resources files from 2017 through 2024 were copied without permission.
Was this a ransomware event. Yes. An individual used a computer virus to lock some company computer files with the goal of seeking payment for a key to unlock the files.
Did Hickory Springs pay a ransom? No.
What information was potentially affected? This matter affected certain human resources information, including W-2, 1099-R, and other benefits selection forms. These forms include names and Social Security numbers, and can include retirement account numbers and health insurance beneficiary information. If spouse or dependents were listed in certain benefits forms, it is possible their information could be involved as well
Was consumer information affected? No, this matter does not affect end consumers purchasing our products.
Was my information potentially affected? We sent letters to individuals whose information was involved with this matter. It is possible that some spouses and dependents of notified individuals were also affected. Their information may have been in benefits enrollment forms can be affected. Individuals may contact the call center at 1-833-918-1845 to request an identity monitoring code.
Was law enforcement notified? Federal law enforcement is aware of this event.
Is the computer network safe? Yes, the computer network was securely restored.
Can I contact someone directly at Hickory Springs to ask more questions about this matter? Individuals may contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line with agents ready to help answer their questions. Individuals may contact our dedicated assistance line at 1-833-918-1845 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (excluding U.S. holidays). Individuals may also write to us at Hickory Springs Bottling, Inc., Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 897, Silver Springs, Florida 34489.
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