Bentley, Bratcher & Associates has disclosed a recent data breach that may have exposed personal information of individuals in their care. The firm has initiated an investigation and is offering credit monitoring and fraud assistance services to affected individuals.
Bentley, Bratcher & Associates’ Data Breach Investigation
Bentley, Bratcher & Associates, a professional services firm, has reported a data breach that may have compromised sensitive personal information. Although the firm is limited in what it can disclose due to Massachusetts law, it confirmed that an incident occurred involving unauthorized access to its systems.
Upon discovering the breach, Bentley, Bratcher & Associates immediately began working with third-party forensic specialists to secure its network and assess the scope of the intrusion. The firm also notified law enforcement and launched an internal review of the affected data to determine the extent of the exposure. This response included a thorough investigation to confirm the security of their systems and identify individuals who may have been impacted.
While the specific nature of the breach has not been publicly disclosed, the firm has emphasized its commitment to data privacy. As part of its response, Bentley, Bratcher & Associates is now reviewing and updating its internal data protection policies, technical safeguards, and information access procedures to prevent future incidents.
To help protect affected individuals, the firm is providing 24 months of free credit monitoring, credit reports, and credit scores through Cyberscout, a TransUnion company that specializes in fraud assistance and identity protection services.
When Did This Breach Occur?
The exact date of the breach has not been publicly disclosed. Bentley, Bratcher & Associates has stated that the incident was promptly addressed upon discovery and that steps to mitigate further risk were taken immediately thereafter.
What Information Was Breached?
Due to legal limitations in Massachusetts, Bentley, Bratcher & Associates has not disclosed the specific types of personal information involved in this incident. However, based on industry norms and the firm’s response, it is likely the breach involved sensitive personally identifiable information (PII), which may include:
- Full names
- Social Security numbers
- Addresses
- Financial information (potentially)
For more detailed information, impacted individuals are encouraged to contact the dedicated assistance line provided by the firm.
What You Can Do
If you believe you may have been affected by this data breach, there are several proactive steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Enroll in free credit monitoring: Bentley, Bratcher & Associates is offering 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring and fraud resolution services through Cyberscout. These services include alerts for any changes to your credit report and support in the event of identity theft.
- Monitor your financial accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. Report unauthorized transactions to your financial institution immediately.
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file or freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your knowledge.
- Check your credit reports: You’re entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. Use these to look for unusual activity or unauthorized accounts.
- Stay alert for phishing attempts: Be cautious of emails or calls requesting personal information. Only provide sensitive data to verified and trusted contacts.
File a Data Breach Lawsuit Against Bentley, Bratcher & Associates
