The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and Department of Human Services (IDHS) have announced a data breach in the State of Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) system’s Manage My Case (MMC) portal. Unauthorized accounts were created in the ABE system, allowing access to existing customer MMC accounts using stolen personal information.
Furthermore, the breach potentially affects individuals who have applied for or are receiving benefits through the ABE portal, including names, social security numbers, addresses, and income information.
Immediate action has been taken by the departments to address the breach and prevent further unauthorized access. Affected individuals, the Illinois General Assembly, and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General have been notified, and a dedicated helpline has been established to assist those impacted by the incident.
The departments advise potentially affected individuals to reach out to consumer reporting agencies and the Federal Trade Commission for identity theft resources.
Additionally, this breach serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard personal information. Given the potential impact on individuals relying on State-funded benefits programs, the response of the departments will be closely scrutinized.
It is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their information, such as contacting consumer reporting agencies for fraud alerts or security freezes on their accounts.
