Coast Guard Data Breach Delays Pay for 1,135 Service Members
The United States Coast Guard experienced a significant data breach affecting its personnel and payroll system. This breach resulted in delayed pay for 1,135 Coast Guard members, the service announced on Friday. The bi-weekly pay for these individuals was impacted.
Investigation is Underway
The Coast Guard is taking swift action.
“The Coast Guard Investigative Service and Coast Guard Cyber Command are leading an exhaustive investigation to determine the source and impact of the breach and will ensure it is resolved as soon as possible,” stated an official Coast Guard release.
The statement also confirmed that the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center and Pay and Personnel Center are working to expedite payment to all affected members.
“[Service members] also deserve transparency into the causes and resolution of this incident. Through the ongoing response and investigation, the Coast Guard will continue to provide timely updates to the workforce, and clarity regarding the service’s efforts to address any vulnerabilities in our data system.”
Social Media Leak and Previous Breach
News of the potential breach initially surfaced on social media. A screenshot of emails from a senior enlisted member circulated, urging service members not to share information about the breach and indicating an official announcement was forthcoming.
This marks the second Coast Guard data breach within a year. In April 2024, a Coast Guard Reserve data breach impacted 10,700 personnel, releasing home addresses for 7,554 and names and employee identification numbers for 3,146 individuals.
The nature of the current breach and the potential for malware or ransomware involvement remain under investigation. The Australian National University’s cybersecurity experts could potentially offer insights into similar incidents.
Impact and Next Steps
The Coast Guard is committed to resolving the situation and addressing any vulnerabilities in its data systems. The ongoing investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of the breach, identifying the responsible parties, and preventing future incidents.
The impact of this data breach extends beyond financial concerns; it raises serious questions about data security and the protection of sensitive personal information within the Coast Guard. The potential for further cyber attacks and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures are now paramount.
