Former Employee Breaches Fresno County Social Services Data — Over 1,100 Clients Exposed
A former Fresno County Department of Social Services employee gained unauthorized access to the personally identifiable information of 1,114 In-Home Supportive Services clients, the county disclosed Thursday.
The breach exposed client names and case numbers. Beyond that: 636 phone numbers, six addresses, and unspecified additional client information.
DSS notified the affected individuals by mail and brought in law enforcement. County officials said they’re now working with the Office of Information Security to tighten access controls and reviewing their privacy policies to prevent a repeat. It has been reported that the county claims there are no known miss uses of the information, but the access was not noted during an internal review.
The Breakdown
- 1,114 IHSS clients had their names and case numbers compromised.
- 636 phone numbers and six addresses were part of the breach, along with other client details the county hasn’t specified.
- The breach was carried out by a former employee.
- Law enforcement is involved, but the county hasn’t stated whether charges are pending or what investigative stage this is in.
What This Means for You
IHSS clients are among the county’s most vulnerable populations. The county says it’s reviewing policies now in response to the breach.
What You Can Do
If you’re an IHSS client in Fresno County, watch for a mailed notification from DSS. The county recommends reviewing your credit reports for unfamiliar activity, placing fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus, and changing passwords on any online accounts that use the same credentials. Make sure to keep any documentation you receive.
What to Watch
The county says it’s tightening safeguards and reviewing policies. The county hasn’t disclosed investigative outcomes or whether any individual will face charges, so information may still be forthcoming.
