US-based meat supplier Carl Buddig and Co. has suffered a “data security incident” that may result in personal information being leaked.
The Illinois-based business said the breach occurred between 10 April 2023 and 29 May 2023 after a review was “unable to locate full contact information for potentially affected individuals”, according to a statement.
Carl Buddig said it has “no indication that the data affected by this incident has been used to commit any identity theft, fraud, or other harm to individuals”, but has informed unnamed persons of the news as a cautionary measure.
In May 2023, the family-owned company became aware of suspicious activity involving the encryption and inaccessibility of certain computer systems.
A subsequent investigation determined that Carl Buddig was the victim of a “sophisticated cyberattack and an unauthorised actor likely accessed and/or acquired certain files stored on Buddig's computer systems”.
The meat company said the breached information “may include individuals’ social Security numbers, driver’s licence or state identification card numbers, passport information, financial account information, medical information, biometric information, electronic signatures, and health insurance information”.
The statement read: “Buddig treats its responsibility to safeguard information in its possession as an utmost priority. Upon learning this incident, Buddig promptly took steps to secure its systems, began a comprehensive investigation, and have been working diligently to provide individuals with an accurate and complete notice.
“As part of the commitment to the privacy and security of personal information in its care, Buddig continues to review and enhance its existing policies and procedures relating to data protection and security. Buddig has also implemented additional security measures to mitigate risk associated with this incident and to help prevent similar future incidents. Buddig is also providing notice of this incident to potentially impacted individuals and to regulators where required.”
Founded in 1943, Carl Buddig produces sausages, cured meats, smoked meats, canned meats and other meat specialties under the Buddig, Old Wisconsin and Kingsford brands.
