Fairmont Federal Credit Union Data Breach Affects 187,000 Members
Fairmont Federal Credit Union Alerts Members of Data Exposure from 2023 Breach
The Fairmont Federal Credit Union (FFCU), a non-profit financial institution located in West Virginia, has informed approximately 187,000 members of a significant data breach that occurred in 2023. The alleged breach has compromised personal, financial, and medical information, raising substantial privacy and security concerns.
Following an internal investigation, FFCU revealed that the breach was detected in January 2024, but unauthorized access had reportedly occurred weeks earlier, spanning from late September to mid-October 2023. The organization is currently coordinating with affected members to mitigate potential impacts.
According to a data breach notification letter shared with the impacted individuals, the information potentially accessed included sensitive data such as full names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license information, financial account details, and even medical history. This extensive exposure poses significant risks, particularly in terms of identity theft and financial fraud.
The variability in the types of exposed data underscores the complexity of the breach. While FFCU reported no instances of fraud at the time of notification, the credit union has advised affected members to remain vigilant following the incident. As part of its response, the organization has offered complimentary credit monitoring services to those whose Social Security numbers were compromised, starting September 11, 2025.
While the credit union refrained from disclosing specific technical details about the breach, it has been linked to the notorious Black Basta ransomware group, which has been operational since 2022. This cybercriminal organization has targeted a range of sectors globally and is known for its sophisticated techniques, including those outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Potential tactics involved in this attack could include initial access via phishing or exploiting vulnerabilities, followed by lateral movement and data exfiltration.
The impact of the breach is not isolated, as Black Basta has been implicated in similar incidents affecting numerous organizations across North America and beyond. Government agencies, including the FBI and CISA, have issued advisories on the ransomware group’s activities, particularly advising sectors such as healthcare that have been specifically targeted.
As businesses increasingly manage sensitive customer data, the Fairmont Federal Credit Union incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in today’s digital landscape. Cybersecurity practitioners and business owners alike must prioritize robust defenses, not only to safeguard their operations but also to protect their customer base. Continuous monitoring for signs of compromise and rapid incident response measures are essential in mitigating risks associated with these kinds of breaches.
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