February 11, 2021 – Bannock County, Idaho (“Bannock County”) is providing notice of a data privacy event related to certain individuals associated with Bannock County. Bannock County takes this event seriously and is providing information about the event and steps individuals may take to help protect impacted individuals’ personal information, should they feel it is appropriate to do so.
On or about June 30, 2020, Bannock County learned its computer network was potentially accessed by an unknown actor on or about June 22, 2020. In response, Bannock County launched an internal investigation into the nature and scope of this activity. Bannock County’s IT department engaged a cyber-security firm to locate and retrieve the data that was illegally obtained, which was accomplished. Bannock County then hired outside counsel, which engaged forensic investigators to further analyze this event. On July 22, 2020, the forensic investigation confirmed personal information was accessed and acquired by an unauthorized actor. In parallel, Bannock County undertook a thorough and lengthy review of the potentially impacted data to determine who, and what information was impacted.
The information involved may have included name, Social Security number, driver’s license or state identification card number, and financial account information. To date, Bannock County is unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of this information as a result of this incident and is providing this notice out of an abundance of caution.
The security of information in our care is among Bannock County’s highest priorities. In addition to launching an internal investigation into this incident, Bannock County is reviewing its existing policies and procedures and will implement additional safeguards, as needed. In an abundance of caution, Bannock County is providing this notice, so that individuals may take further steps to best protect their personal information, should they feel it is appropriate to do so.
Bannock County encourages potentially impacted individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud, to review your account statements, and monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. Individuals may also review the information contained in the below “Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Your Personal Information”.
Bannock County recognizes that individuals may have questions not addressed in this notice. If individuals have additional questions, please call our dedicated assistance line at (855) 688-0672, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, Central Time. You may also write to us at 624 East Center, Pocatello, Idaho 83201.
Read the full notice on Bannock County’s web site.