On June 8, 2023, CIBT, Inc. (“CIBT Visas”) filed a notice of data breach with the Maine Attorney General after confirming that suspicious activity on the company’s computer network was the result of a recent cyberattack. Based on the company’s official filing, the incident resulted in an unauthorized party gaining access to consumers’ names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, passport numbers, and health insurance information. After confirming that consumer data was leaked, CIBT began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals who were impacted by the recent data security incident.
If you received a data breach notification from CIBT, Inc., it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. As we’ve discussed in previous posts, companies have a legal obligation to protect the sensitive information in their care. When a company’s negligence results in a data breach, the company may be liable through a data breach lawsuit. Speak with a data breach lawyer to learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft and what your legal options are in the wake of the CIBT Visas data breach.
What We Know So Far About the CIBT Visas Breach
News of the CIBT Visas data breach is still fresh; however, what we know at this point comes from the company’s filing with the Attorney General of Maine. According to this source, on November 19, 2022, CIBT detected unusual activity within its computer network. In response, CIBT secured its network and then engaged a cybersecurity firm to assist with the company’s investigation.
The CIBT investigation confirmed that the suspicious activity was the result of a cyberattack in which an unauthorized party was able to access portions of the company’s IT network. Through subsequent investigation, on April 21, 2023, CIBT was able to determine that the unauthorized actor had access to confidential consumer data stored in the compromised files.
Upon discovering that sensitive consumer data was made available to an unauthorized party, CIBT Visas began to review the affected files to determine what information was compromised and which consumers were impacted. CIBT completed this process on May 23, 2023. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, passport number, and health insurance information.
On June 8, 2023, CIBT Visas sent out data breach letters to all individuals whose information was compromised as a result of the recent data security incident. The incident affected employees as well as certain individuals who obtained visa services through CIBT.
More Information About CIBT, Inc.
CIBT, Inc. is a provider of immigration and visa services located in McLean, Virginia. The company operates under two different brands: Newland Chase, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary focusing on global immigration strategy and advisory services for corporations; and CIBTvisas, which provides business and other travel visa services for corporate and individual clients. CIBT also handles passport applications on behalf of its customers. CIBT Visas employs more than 1,500 people and generates approximately $317 million in annual revenue.
