PBI Data Breach: What You Should Know
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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19 March 2025
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12 mins read
Data breaches are becoming more common these days, and the PBI data breach is a clear example. If you have been involved with retirement plans, insurance, or financial services through PBI, your information could be at risk.
The cyberattack, which affected millions of people and well-known companies, occurred due to a serious flaw in a popular file-sharing tool. What information was leaked? And how can you stay safe now? Let’s find out everything in this blog.
What Happened in the PBI Data Breach?
In May 2023, Pension Benefit Information, LLC (PBI) fell victim to a serious cybersecurity incident due to a vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer, a software tool used for secure file sharing.
Cybercriminals took advantage of this weakness between May 29th and May 30th, 2023, allowing them to access sensitive personal information that PBI manages for various financial and retirement institutions without permission.
Data exposed in the breach included:
- Full names
- Social Security numbers
- Dates of birth
- Addresses
- Gender information
- Financial account-related data
This breach impacted not only those directly connected to PBI but also clients linked to big companies like Fidelity Investments, Genworth Financial, CalPERS, and CalSTRS.
PBI quickly fixed the issue, started an internal investigation, and notified those affected. They offer credit monitoring services to help reduce any potential harm.
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What Are the Risks of Exposed Data?
The exposure of sensitive personal data comes with serious consequences that are often more dangerous than most people realize. Here is what could happen:
- Identity Theft: Cybercriminals can use your Social Security number and other personal data to open fraudulent accounts or apply for loans in your name.
- Financial Fraud: Exposed data can be sold on the dark web and used for unauthorized banking activities or scams.
- Phishing Attacks: Scammers can take your name and contact details to create fake messages that look real just to trick you into sharing even more personal information.
- Account Takeovers: If someone gets access to your login information, they can easily sneak into your accounts, whether it is your bank, email, or even your medical records.
- Long-term Security Threats: Even if nothing bad has happened yet, your data might still be on the dark web and could be misused later.
What Should You Do to Stay Safe?
If you think your data might have been exposed, do not wait for problems to come up. Here is what you should do right now:
Regularly check your bank statements
Regularly check your bank statements, credit reports, and other financial accounts for suspicious activity.
Change your passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for every online account and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Freeze your credit
Consider placing a credit freeze with major bureaus to prevent new credit from being issued in your name.
Stay alert from phishing attempts
Avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing sensitive data over email or phone calls. Be vigilant at all times.
Enable PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring
With PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring feature, you can track breached data and get notified if it appears on the dark web. Here’s how to use it:
- Sign up for PureMax.
- Download and install the PureVPN app.
- Log into your account and click Dark Web Monitoring.
- Select Add Assets to Monitor and enter your email address, SSN/NIN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number in the respective fields.
- Enter the code sent to your registered number to verify your identity, and you’re done.
- Follow the recommended measures if your information is part of a breach to protect yourself from further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Was PBI the only company affected by the MOVEit breach?
No, PBI was just one of many organizations impacted by a worldwide problem caused by a flaw in a tool called MOVEit Transfer. Many other companies were also affected by this attack.
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How do I know if my data was involved in the PBI breach?
If you were affected, you should have received a notification letter or email from PBI or one of its client organizations. You can also contact them directly to confirm.
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Can exposed data from 2023 still be dangerous today?
Yes, even if the breach happened months ago, your data could still be circulating on the dark web, making you exposed to identity theft and fraud.
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What is the MOVEit Transfer software, and why was it vulnerable?
MOVEIT Transfer is a file transfer tool used by businesses to exchange files securely. A security flaw in this software can let hackers infiltrate systems without detection.
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Why should I use Dark Web Monitoring after a breach?
It lets you know if your data shows up on the dark web so you can take action fast and keep your account safe before anything goes wrong.
Wrapping Up!
The PBI data breach shows us that even organizations we trust can be at risk of cyberattacks. But do not worry, as you can take steps to protect your data. By using PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring, you can keep an eye on your information and lower the risks of identity theft or fraud.
