SouthState Bank Cyber Attack: A Comprehensive Guide

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SouthState Bank's cyber attack was a significant security breach that affected many of its customers. On February 1, 2023, the bank announced that it had been targeted by a cyber attack.

The attack was carried out by a ransomware group that gained access to the bank's systems. This allowed them to steal sensitive customer data.

The bank's systems were compromised, and customer data was stolen, but fortunately, no financial information was accessed.

What Happened?

SouthState Bank detected a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to its computer network.

The incident was first reported by SouthState Corporation in a Form 8-K filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2024.

An investigation into the nature and scope of the incident was ongoing as of the date of the filing.

SouthState Bank sent a letter to customers on March 29, 2024, informing them of the breach.

The letter stated that the bank had detected and taken measures to address an incident involving unauthorized access to its network.

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A cybersecurity firm was engaged to assist in the investigation, which determined that there was unauthorized access to certain folders in the bank's network on February 7, 2024.

The bank reviewed the files in those folders and found that one or more files contained customers' names, financial account numbers, and Social Security numbers.

SouthState Bank filed a breach report with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2024.

The bank notified its banking regulators and law enforcement about the incident.

As a result of the measures taken, SouthState Bank has contained the impact of the cybersecurity incident.

Customers are being offered a free one-year membership with an identity-theft service called Identity Defense Total.

The bank is urging customers to be vigilant for incidents of fraud or identity theft by reviewing their account statements and free credit reports for any unauthorized activity.

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Data Breach Response

SouthState Bank took immediate action to address the cybersecurity breach, engaging a cybersecurity firm to assist in the investigation. This firm helped determine that there was unauthorized access to certain folders in the bank's network on February 7, 2024.

People Hacking a Computer System
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The bank isolated parts of its network to disrupt the unauthorized activity, which resulted in some disruption to its business processes. However, its operations continued in all material respects throughout this process.

SouthState Bank notified its banking regulators and law enforcement about the breach, and it's now offering customers a free one-year membership with an identity-theft service called Identity Defense Total. This service is meant to help customers be vigilant for incidents of fraud or identity theft.

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South State Bank Data Breach Contained

SouthState Bank recently contained a cybersecurity breach that occurred about two months ago.

The breach resulted in the compromise of account data, including names, financial account numbers, and Social Security numbers.

The bank detected the breach on February 7, 2024, and took measures to address it.

A cybersecurity firm was engaged to assist in the investigation, which determined the unauthorized access to certain folders in the bank's network.

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The bank reviewed the files in those folders and on March 13, 2024, determined that one or more files contained sensitive customer information.

The bank filed the breach on February 9 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The bank notified its banking regulators and law enforcement, and proactively took measures to isolate parts of its network.

The bank's operations continued throughout this process in all material respects.

As a result of these measures, SouthState has contained the impact of the cybersecurity incident.

The bank is also taking steps to strengthen its existing data security network.

Customers are being offered a free one-year membership with an identity-theft service to help protect them from potential identity theft.

The bank urges customers to be vigilant for incidents of fraud or identity theft by reviewing their account statements and free credit reports.

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What to Do After a Data Breach?

If you were impacted by a data breach, take immediate action to protect your personal information. Carefully review the breach notice and retain a copy, as this will help you understand what happened and what steps to take next.

Crop anonymous ethnic male cyber spy with cellphone and netbook hacking system in evening
Credit: pexels.com, Crop anonymous ethnic male cyber spy with cellphone and netbook hacking system in evening

Enroll in any free credit monitoring services provided by the company to stay on top of your credit and identity. This is a crucial step in preventing further damage from the breach.

Change your passwords and security questions for online accounts to prevent unauthorized access. This is especially important for sensitive accounts like email and banking.

Regularly review your account statements for signs of fraud or unauthorized activity. This will help you catch any suspicious transactions before they become a bigger problem.

Monitoring your credit reports for signs of identity theft is also essential. Keep an eye out for accounts you didn't open or inquiries from companies you don't recognize.

Contact a credit bureau(s) to request a temporary fraud alert, which will flag your account for potential identity theft. This will help prevent further damage and give you peace of mind.

Here's a summary of the steps you can take after a data breach:

  • Carefully review the breach notice and retain a copy
  • Enroll in free credit monitoring services
  • Change passwords and security questions
  • Regularly review account statements
  • Monitor credit reports for identity theft
  • Contact a credit bureau for a temporary fraud alert

Impact and Precautions

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Cyberscams and data breaches can be overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk.

Be prepared to act quickly in case of a cybercrime, as taking immediate action can greatly reduce the damage.

A credit freeze can be placed on your accounts to prevent identity thieves from opening new lines of credit in your name.

If Impacted

If you're dealing with a toxic spill, the priority is to get out of the area immediately.

The longer you stay in a contaminated environment, the higher your risk of exposure and potential health issues.

The recommended exposure limit for chemicals in this type of spill is 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter.

In extreme cases, exposure can cause respiratory failure, even at low concentrations.

Be Prepared

Cyberscams and data breaches can be overwhelming, but you don't have to resign yourself to instances of harm. By taking proactive steps, you can greatly minimize the risk you face.

Learning about the steps to mitigate identity theft is crucial. This includes knowing when to place a credit freeze and fraud alert on your accounts.

Cybercrime is a reality, but being prepared can make a big difference.

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Bank's Responsibility

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Southstate Bank's cyber attack raises serious questions about the bank's responsibility to protect its customers' sensitive information.

The bank had a duty to safeguard customer data, but it failed to do so, leaving thousands of people vulnerable to identity theft and financial loss.

Southstate Bank's security measures were inadequate, as evidenced by the fact that the attackers were able to breach the bank's systems and steal sensitive information.

The bank's lack of transparency and communication with customers after the attack has also been criticized, with some customers feeling abandoned and left to deal with the consequences of the breach on their own.

Southstate Bank's reputation has taken a hit, and the bank's leadership is facing scrutiny for their role in the cyber attack.

South Carolina Bank Incident

SouthState Bank, one of the largest banks in South Carolina, experienced a data breach in February 2024.

The breach occurred on February 7, 2024, when an unauthorized third party gained access to certain folders in the bank's network.

Grayscale Photo of Man and Woman Hacking a Computer System
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The compromised information included names, financial account numbers, and Social Security numbers.

The bank notified its customers about the breach on March 29, 2024, and offered a free one-year membership with an identity-theft service, Identity Defense Total.

Customers are advised to be vigilant for incidents of fraud or identity theft by reviewing their account statements and free credit reports.

The bank has also taken steps to strengthen its existing data security network.

A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed against SouthState Bank, alleging the bank negligently failed to implement proper cybersecurity protocols to protect customer data.

The lawsuit claims the bank's negligence put customers at an imminent risk of being targeted for cybercrimes like identity theft and fraud.

The bank has stated that it has contained the impact of the cybersecurity incident and that it has not and is not likely to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

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Alexander Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Alexander Kassulke serves as a seasoned Assigning Editor, guiding the content strategy and ensuring a robust coverage of financial markets. His expertise lies in technical analysis, particularly in dissecting indicators that shape market trends. Under his leadership, the publication has expanded its analytical depth, offering readers insightful perspectives on complex financial metrics.

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