On November 15, 2023, Adams Bank & Trust (“ABT”) filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Maine after confirming that the bank’s computer system was accessed by an unauthorized party. In this notice, ABT explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access consumers’ sensitive information, which includes their names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, financial account information, payment card information, and government-issued identification. Upon completing its investigation, ABT began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was affected by the recent data security incident.
If you received a data breach notification from Adams Bank & Trust, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. As a bank customer, you expect a financial institution to do everything possible to protect your sensitive information, and the recent data breach announcement by ABT has caused many consumers to worry about an increased risk of identity theft and other frauds. A data breach lawyer can help you learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, as well as discuss your legal options following the Adams Bank & Trust data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.
What Caused the Adams Bank & Trust Data Breach?
The Adams Bank & Trust data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, ABT’s filing with the Attorney General of Maine provides some important information on what led up to the breach. According to this source, on May 16, 2023, ABT detected unusual activity within its computer system. In response, ABT secured its network, notified law enforcement, and then launched an investigation into the incident.
The Adams Bank & Trust investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party had gained access to portions of the bank’s computer system on May 15, 2023 and May 16, 2023. However, initially, ABT’s investigation found no evidence that any data had been accessed or acquired. But on September 15, 2023, ABT was able to determine that some information contained in the compromised files was removed by hackers.
After learning that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Adams Bank & Trust reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which consumers were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, date of birth, Social Security number, financial account information, payment card information, and government-issued identification.
On November 15, 2023, Adams Bank & Trust sent out data breach letters to anyone who was affected by the recent data security incident. These letters should provide victims with a list of what information belonging to them was compromised.
More Information About Adams Bank & Trust
Adams Bank & Trust is a financial institution based in Ogallala, Nebraska. ABT offers its clients banking services, such as personal and business checking and savings accounts, personal and business loans, credit cards, home mortgages, auto loans and investment products. Adams Bank & Trust operates 21 branches in Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas. Adams Bank & Trust employs more than 177 people and generates approximately $32 million in annual revenue.
