Less than 100 people affected by data breach that hit Florida’s unemployment system, DEO says

Some Floridians seeking reemployment assistance may have been the victim of a security breach, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

About 98 people have been affeceted, the DEO said. They have been notified.

The issue was addressed within an hour after the organization became aware of the breach, according to the DEO.

A letter sent to those affected said: “Information associated with a claim submitted under your name was unintentionally sent to a private email server owned by a third party performing work on the agency’s behalf.”

The data involved includes full names and social security number,s, according to the letter. No banking information was involved.

The letter states the breach happened in April, but some of those affected were alerted May 8. Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet commented on the breach.

Identity protection services are being made available at no charge to those who have been affected. The DEO is also encouraging them to report any unauthorized activity on their financial accounts.

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“At this time we have not received any reports of malicious activity,” the DEO said.

Sen. Linda Stewart has sent a letter to Secretary Jonathan Satter demanding answers.

“Let’s face it, the DEO hasn’t been operating ... pristine,” she said.

Stewart said she asked several questions including what steps are taking, and how did the breach occur.

“They just said that I shouldn’t be concerned because it wasn’t that may people and they are going to take care of the people who were [affected],” she said.

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