On January 25, 2023, Andrews McMeel Universal (“AMU”) filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of New Hampshire after discovering that an unauthorized party was able to access confidential consumer information maintained on the company’s IT network. In this notice, AMU explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access consumers’ sensitive information, which includes their names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account information, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, health insurance information, and medical information. Upon completing its investigation, AMU 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 Andrews McMeel Universal, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. As we’ve discussed in previous blog posts, following a successful cyberattack, hackers often end up with highly sensitive information they can use to commit identity theft and other frauds against victims. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate these risks. 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 Andrews McMeel Universal data breach.
What Caused the Andrews McMeel Universal Breach?
The Andrews McMeel Universal data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, AMU’s filing with the Attorney General of New Hampshire provides some important information on what led up to the breach. According to this source, on November 19, 2023, AMU experienced a network disruption. In response, AMU took the necessary steps to secure its computer system and then launched an investigation into the incident with the assistance of third-party data security specialists.
The AMU investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party was able to access portions of the company’s network, including files containing confidential information pertaining to current and past employees and 1099 contractors.
After learning that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Andrews McMeel Universal 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, Social Security number, date of birth, financial account information, driver’s license number, passport number, health insurance information, and medical information.
On January 25, 2023, Andrews McMeel Universal sent out data breach letters to anyone who was affected by the recent data security incident. These letters should provide victims with a detailed list of what information belonging to them was compromised.
More Information About Andrews McMeel Universal
Founded in 1970, Andrews McMeel Universal is a media company based out of Kansas City, Missouri. The company is divided into three divisions: Andrews McMeel Syndication, Andrews McMeel Publishing, Andrews McMeel Universal Syndicated Entertainment (“AMUSE”). Andrews McMeel Universal employs more than 184 people and generates approximately $122 million in annual revenue.
