Conduent Reveals 2024 Intrusion Triggered Data Breach
Conduent, a prominent government contractor, has confirmed a significant data breach linked to an intrusion discovered in January. This incident originated from unauthorized access that began on October 21, 2024, and persisted until January 13, 2025. The company disclosed these findings in a recent filing with the Maine Attorney General’s office.
Details of the Data Breach
- Initial Discovery: January 2025
- Intrusion Date: October 21, 2024
- Duration: Access maintained until January 13, 2025
- Impacted Individuals: 334 in Maine
According to the Attorney General’s office, Conduent did not provide total figures for the number of affected individuals, a deviation from normal practice. This breach also prompted a similar notification to the California Attorney General’s office.
Repercussions and Response
The breach was initially confirmed by Conduent after receiving warnings from Wisconsin officials about delays in child support payments. Wisconsin was among several states impacted by the breach.
In an April regulatory filing, Conduent acknowledged that a considerable number of people had their personal data compromised. This included sensitive information such as names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, treatment details, and claim numbers.
Financial Impact
The financial fallout has been substantial. Conduent reported $25 million in direct costs related to the breach in its first-quarter earnings. The company has stated that it possesses insurance coverage but is still assessing the full scope of the incident.
Collaborative Efforts
Conduent has been actively working with law enforcement and third-party forensic experts to investigate the breach. Palo Alto Networks has been engaged to assist with the incident response, ensuring that necessary protocols are followed.
Impact on Clients
Among those affected, Premera Blue Cross, a health insurance provider based in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, confirmed that it too was impacted. However, it clarified that its own systems had not been breached and does not anticipate a significant financial impact as a result.
The Wisconsin Child Support Trust Fund also reported disruptions to its services caused by the breach, highlighting the widespread implications of the incident.
Conduent’s operations span across various sectors, providing essential services such as printing, payments, and processing to government entities and organizations. As the investigation continues, Conduent remains focused on mitigating the effects of the breach and securing its systems against future threats.
